IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


V 


y^^O 


{/ 


U.A 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


1^ 


IM 


1^  m 

It    I'o 

1^        iBHi 


1.4 


M 
IM 
M 

1.6 


d?;^^ 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY    14580 

(716)  872-4503 


^ 


L<9 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


sy,.>-f  ;^*»K<TM^+»  . 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/IMotos  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 
D 
D 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag^e 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restauree  et/ou  pelliculSe 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  geographiques  en  couleur 


□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
En 


ere  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relie  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  inargin/ 

Lareliure  serr^e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int^rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutSes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires.- 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  ete  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-etre  uniques  du 
point  de  vu3  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 


D 
D 
D 

D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
□ 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagSes 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pelliculees 

Pciges  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  decolordes,  tachetSes  ou  piquSes 

Pages  detached/  ,. 

Pages  detachees 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualitd  in^gale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement* 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  filmdes  d  nouveau  de  faqon  & 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


7 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


I 


wtVr  (WW:*<»W?'<i'rrii-t,, 


i 


aire 

i  details 
|ues  du 
t  modifier 
iger  une 
3  fllmage 


I- 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  filmd  f ut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
fllmage. 


/ 
uSes 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  vt^ith  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — >»•  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimis  sont  fiimds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  pago  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'iilustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmds  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'iilustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  ie 
cas:  le  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  y  signifie  "FIN". 


ire 


}y  errata 
ed  to 

jnr 

ine  pelure, 

apon  & 


32X 


i 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


1 

2 

3 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
film6s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  11  est  fiimd  d  partir 
de  I'angle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

BURKE'S 

DESCRIPTIVE  GUIDE; 


0»,  *■■ 


VISITORS'    COMPANION 


T« 


NIAGARA    FALLS 


ITS 


STRANQB  AND  WONDEBFUIi  MdAIlTiBS, 


of  ikaDMrirtOoot 


P   > 


I,    i.mili,       .I*"!' 


BY   AN    OLD    RBilplNT 


T^.-iSu^^S^JX 


_'>,:^aiS2«!BeS"»«»*' ■'■™  ■  "V'l'C.' , —  ■ ^^~ 


PREFACE. 


Thx  peculiar  office  of  a  guide,  is  to  point  out 
spots  of  interest,  and  relate  what  is  interesting 
about  theoL  This  we  have  endeavored  to  accom- 
lUfih  in  the  following  pages  ;  leaving  as  much  as 
possible  to  the  mind  and  taste  of  the  stranger  who 
visits,  that  he  may  see  and  understand.  We  have 
refrained  altogether  from  any  poetic  distraction,  so 
often  indulged  in  by  more  fanciful  guides. 

Our  office  has  been  a  grand  one,  but  we  have 
endeavored  to  fill  it  with  that  simplicity  and  mo- 
desty, so  much  more  becoming  in  view  (rf  the  awful 
grandeur  of  the  scenes,  we  humbly  lead  to.  Our 
only  hope  being  that  we  have  given  satisfaction. 


a 

I 

Hi 


I 


"ymei^BVfpmm'r 


FACE. 


)f  a  guide,  is  to  point  out 
relate  what  is  interesting 
lave  endeavored  to  accom- 
agee  ;  leaving  as  much  as 
I  taste  of  the  stranger  who 
nd  understand.  We  have 
n  any  poetic  distraction,  so 
>re  fanciful  guides, 
a  grand  one,  but  we  have 
\,h  that  simplicity  and  mo- 
;oniing  in  view  erf  the  awful 
we  humbly  lead  to.  Our 
)  have  given  satisfaction. 


i\-0 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


TO 


NIAGARA    FALLS 


THE    JOURNEY. 

Straitokr — if  you  are  now  ready,  we  will 
proceed  to  the  Office  of  the  Buffalo  and  Niagara 
Falls  Railroad  Depot,  on  the  Terrace,  unmediately 
under  the  Western  Hotel,  and  procure  tickets.  It 
is  now  nearly  9  o'clock  and  ahnost  time  to  be  aboard 
the  Cars.  They  go  out  at  9  a.  il,  and  6  p.  m. — 
Look  sharp,  the  bell  rings,  and  here  goes 


THB     TSAIH. 


The  road  has  been  very  receotly  re-laid  with 
the  T  rail,  and  the  speed  is  now  equal  to  anything 
1* 


L 


■^  &' 


1        <: 


■%\ 


DKBORIFTITX   QCIDK 


Th«  Cui— BIoawB't  Qn>T«— WorUoiiw— Mr.  Coe'i  rMMtoM. 


in  the  United  States.  Very  pleasant  cars,  careful 
engineers,  and  the  most  afifable  conductor  to  be 
found  between  this  and  the  unknown  regions  about 
the  North  Pole. 

We  are  moving — quicker  and  quicker ;  ah,  there 
we  go.  See  how  the  houses  flit  by  us!  What 
should  we  do,  were  it  not  for  Railroads  ?  Won- 
derful creature  is  man.  Is'nt  he.  Mamma  ?  We 
are  now  flying  through  Sixth-stbebt,  and  now  we 
are  out  of  town.  You  see  that  picturesque  grove 
on  the  left — that  is  Blossom's  Gbovb  ;  and  that 
large  brick  building,  with  the  dark  wing  of  blue 
stone,  having  its  windows  thickly  barred  with  iron, 
is  the  WoEKHOcsK,  a  structure  not  more  than 
two  years  old,  yet  it  could  tell  full  many  a  tale  of 
crime ;  for,  its  young  walls  are  darkl^  experienced 
in  the  wickedness  of  Adam's  sous  and  daughters. 
A  short  time  since  it  took  fire,  or  rather  was  set  on 
fire,  and  the  roof  and  upper  part  were  conaderably 
burnt  Yet  the  terrified  inmates  did  not  dare  to 
escape.  We  are  now  running  up  hilL  That  Man- 
sion of  cut  stone,  with  the  rich  Grecian  pcHiico, 
which  you  see  on  the  right  is  Mr.  Cob's,  a  citisen 
of  wealth  and  repute.  And  9n  the  left,  that  Gothic 
oasUe  is  the  property  of  the  United  States  Govem- 
msnt,  and  is  used  for  a  MilHarjr  Engineer's  Office, 


■   ViKWKKMmfmW^fV^T"'^ 


IVX   QCIDE 


ITaiklwue— Mr.  Cm'i  imiil«u«. 


^ery  pleasant  cars,  careful 
.  affable  conductor  to  be 
lie  unknown  regions  about 

kerand  quicker;  ah,  there 
louses  flit  by  us!  What 
lot  for  Railroads  ?     Won- 

Is'nt  he,  Mamma  ?  We 
Sixth-street,  and  now  we 
(ee  that  picturesque  grove 
.ossom's  Grove  ;  and  that 
th  the  dark  wing  of  blue 
s  thickly  barred  with  iron, 
structure  not  more  than 
Id  tell  full  many  a  tale  of 
lUs  are  darkle  experienced 
iam's  sons  and  daughters, 
k  fire,  or  rather  was  set  on 
per  part  were  considerably 
I  inmates  did  not  dare  to 
uning  up  hiE    That  Man- 

the  rich  Gredan  portico, 
ght  is  Mr.  Gob's,  a  citizen 
^d  9a  the  leftk  that  Gothic 
the  United  States  Govem- 
Military  Engineer's  Office, 


TO   iriAOARA  PAULS. 


"■ott— view  of  Bufhio,  Ac— Hiiwlty  home. 


and  reridence  of  the  Lieutenant's  family.  This 
castle  or  castellated  mantion  was  erected  by  Coto- 
NKt  James  McKay,  a  citizen  of  ta.ste  and  spirit,  and 
was  purchased  from  him  by  the  government,  for 
thirty  thousand  dollars.  On  part  of  the  lana  they 
have  erected  a  redoubt  or  fort,  which  you  may  see 
adjoining  it 

This  fort  is  admirably  planned  in  the  form  of  a 
pentagon  or  figure  of  five  sides.  Ite  walls  rise 
from  the  solid  rock,  and  are  seven  feet  thick,  of 
blue  lime  stone,  beautifully  wrought  Its  roof  is 
JiTched  and  covered  with  g}'psum,  and  sodded  with 
gras&  It  is  five  feet  thick  and  perfectly  bomb- 
proof. From  this  roof,  on  which  two  Paixan  guns 
are  to  be  placed,  is  a  magnificent  view  of  Buffalo^ 
Lake  Erie,  the  Canada  shore,  and  the  river  Niagwa 
to  the  very  Fails.  This  Fort  occupies  a  most  com- 
manding position  and  is  capable  of  sheltering  eight 
hundred  men,  for  whose  comfort  a  pure  spring  of 
ivater  swells  up  in  its  midst  from  the  solid  rock. 

That  tall  porticoed  stone  building  to  your  right 
is  called  Hawlbt  Hocsk.  It  was  built  by  Sbth 
C.  Hawlbt,  Esq.,  at  a  time  when  speculaticm  was 
at  its  highest,  and  the  owner  intended  that  to  be 
one  wing  of  his  proposed  palace.  He  failed  —and 
there  it  stands  an  overgrown  tombstone  of  inten- 


DBSORIPTITK    OITIDK 


Bria  CuV— Black  Rndt— Bbck  Rock  Dm. 


tioDS  too  mighty  to  outlive  the  rude  bltots  of 
adversity. 

The  Erie  Canal  here  runs  alongside  of  the  river 
Niagara,  from  which  it  is  only  divided  by  a  pier, 
which  forms  the  harbour  of 

BLACKROCE- 

Thi8  place  was,  at  one  time,  the  rival  oi  BufiUo, 
and  on  account  of  its  superior  accommodation  for 
shipping,  it  maintained  an  ascendency  for  some  time 
over  the  "Queen  City  of  the  Lakes."  In  the  war 
of  1812,  Commodore  Pkrrt  here  hid  his  vessels 
for  the  winter,  so  effectually  that  the  British  knew 
nothing  of  their  dangerous  neighbour  until  he  sud- 
denly came  forth  from  his  shelter  and  pounced 
upon  them.  The  actual  spot  where  the  United 
States  ships  sheltered  is  below  what  is  called 

BLACK     ROCK     DAM. 

The  village  is  one  mile  in  length,  being  divided 
into  Upper  and  Lower  Black  Rock;  the  latter  be- 
ing near  the  Dam  formed  by  a  pier  of  two  miles  in 
length  which  has  its  terminadon  on  Bird  Island, 
opposite  Buflfalo. 

This  village  coatains  something  over  two  hundred 
hooaes,  and  about  one  thousand  inhabitants,  pre- 
aenliiig  at  present  but  a  poor  apology  for  ite  finmer 


TIVK    OVIDK 


Bock— BlKk  Roek  Sun. 


ratlive  the  rude  bltots  of 

runs  alongside  of  the  river 
is  only  divided  by  a  pier, 
ur  of 

K     ROCK. 

le  time,  the  rival  of  Buffalo, 
mperior  accommodation  for 
an  ascendency  for  some  time 
of  the  Lakes."  In  the  irar 
Pkrrt  here  hid  his  vessels 
dually  that  the  British  knew 
•ous  neighbour  untU  he  sud- 
1  his  shelter  and  pounced 
lal  spot  where  the  United 
s  below  what  is  called 

ROCK     DAM. 

lUe  in  length,  being  divided 
Black  Rock;  the  latter  be- 
led  by  a  pier  of  two  miles  in 
ermination  on  Bird  Island, 

something  over  two  hundred 
•  thousand  inhsbitapts,  pre- 
a  poor  apology  for  ita  former 


mmmmmmmf 


TO   MUOARA   VAIXS. 


sum  F.rTy-Upp,r  Bl«k  Rwk  lo  W.Urloo. 


pretensions.  There  are,  however,  several  mills  in 
operation,  and  sites  for  as  many  more.  But  the 
velocity  of  the  current  of  the  Niagara  and  dangera 
of  Its  entrance,  on  account  of  hidden  reefs  of  rocks 
must  always  act  as  a  barrier  against  the  prosperity 
of  the  place.  •-     r      / 

There  is  a  steam  ferry,  crosses  at  Upper  Black 
Rock  1»  the  village  of  Waterloo,  on  the  opposite 
shores  of  Canada;  and  at  any  time  that  a  stranger 
wishes  to  nde  on  the  rapid  current  of  the  Niagara, 
or  to  cross  its  course,  he  can  here  readily  find 


A     SAIL     BOAT. 


B 


DfiSORIPTIVB   OUIBB 


OmmA  lilntd— PMMllabHi. 


TON  A  WAN  DA. 

E  now  ^proaoh  Tonawanda,  which 
is  twelve  miles  from  Buffalo.  It  is  at- 
uated  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek  of  the 
same  name,  joining  the  Niagara,  di- 
rectly opposite  the  widest  part  of 

OBABD     ISLAND. 

Here  the  Erie  Canal,  laking  advantage  of  this 
noble  creek,  leaves  the  river  and  follows  it  to  Pen- 
dleton, about  twelve  miles  distant  Here,  also,  the 
traveller  on  the  American  shore,  is  at  the  widest 
part  of  the  Niagara  River  away  from  her  British 
Majesty's  donunions,  with  all  the  accompanying 
fancies  of  Thrones, 


CKOWNS     AND     SCEPTRES. 

Tonawanda  lies  on  both  sides  of  the  creek;  is 
a  pleasant  village,  containing  some  two  thousand 


nUPTIVK   GDIDB                                    | 

ai  lilnd-PnullaUHi.              ' 

AW  AN  DA. 

^proach  Tonawanda,  which 
re  miles  from  Buffalo.  It  is  at- 
it  the  mouth  of  the  creek  of  the 
lame,  joining  the  Niagara,  di- 
widest  part  of 

IND     ISLAND. 

'anal,  taking  advantage  of  this 
the  river  and  follows  it  to  Pen- 
e  miles  distant  Here,  also,  the 
merican  shore,  is  at  the  widest 
ra  River  away  from  her  British 
ns,  with  all  the  accoaipanying 


S     AND     SCEPTRES. 

;s  on  both  sides  of  the  creek;  is 
!,  containing  some  two  thousand 


5BBB5R!1^%?^ 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


Tht  VilUge— ill 


inhabitants  and  derives  its  name  from  the  Indian 
of  swift  running  water,  which  term  is  rather  mys- 
terious, the  Creek  being  very  deep  and  slu^h. 
This  village  in  the  years  '48  and  '9,  aLso  put  up 
pretensions  to  cope  wth  Buffalo.     The  Merchants 
of  Cleveland,  jealous  of  the   prosperity  of  the 
"  Queen  City,"  under  pretence  of  want  of  sufficient 
harbour  room,  came  boldly  out  and  published  a 
plan  to  make  Tonawanda  the  port  for  the  discharge 
of  Western  produce   intended   for  the   Eastern 
market      They  soon  erected  elevators,  wharves, 
«fec.,  but  without    any  apparent  disadvantage  to 
Buftklo. 

There  is  here  a  dam  of  eighty-four  feet  in  width 
which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  benetita  the  Canal, 
produces  a  very  interesting  fall  or  cascade.  It  is 
crossed  by  a  long  wooden  bridge  on  which  the  rail 
road  to  Niagara  Falls  runs. 

The  lowness  of  Tonawanda,  and  sluggishne-b c^ 
its  creek,  will  always  make  it  a  prospc  j  'ace 
for  rheumatism  and  ague,  and  most  fit  for  a  specu- 
lation in  ■ 


Br  RIAL     OROUNDS. 


^pwuBPwwe" 


-rnr 


. 


10 


DK80RIPTIVK   GUIDK 


WUt<  HmB— Amnt. 


CITY  OF  ARRARAT. 

PPOSITE  to  Tonawanda,  on 
Crand  Island,  is  the  little  hamlet  called 
Whitk  Havkn,  pleasantly  situated, 
which,  with  its  mills,  occupies  the  site 
of  the  proposed 

JSWI8H     CITY     OF     ABRAEAT. 

In  the  year  1826,  the  well  known  Major  M.  M. 
Noah,  hke  unto  his  namesake  of  yore,  took  it  mto 
his  head  to  form  here  a  city,  where  all  the  Jews 
that  had  not  been  deluged  by  the  prevaiUng  waters 
of  Christianity,  might  assemble  and  dwe'l  together 
in  this  city  of  the  ark,  formed  not  of  lents,  but  of 
log  and  frame  houses. 

This  modem  iVboA  after  having  a  ^ger-bread 
and  tinsel  display  in  Buffalo,  in  which  he  took  upon 
him  the  degrees  of  "  Proprietor,  Prince  and  Pa- 
triarch. Governor  and  Judge  of  Israel,"  previous 
to  the  laying  of  the  comer  stone,  which  took  place 
a  few  days  after  at  Grand  Island  (then  an  mt«r- 
minable  forest)  but  which  comer  stone  remains 
unclaimed  and  unoccupied  by  the  wandering  Jewa 


mmm 


BIPTIVK   GUIDK 


lit*  IfaTni— Amtat. 


DF  ARRARAT. 

SITE    to   Tonawanda,  on 

Island,  is  the  IJtde  hamlet  called 

Havkn,  pleasantly  situated, 

with  its  mills,  occupies  the  site 

3ITY     OF     ABRARAT. 

5,  the  well  known  Major  M.  M. 
1  namesake  of  yore,  took  it  mto 
here  a  city,  where  all  the  Jews 
eluged  by  the  prevailing  waters 
ht  assemble  and  dwe'l  together 
irk,  formed  not  of  tents,  but  of 
ises. 

foh  after  having  a  ^nger-bread 
n  Buffalo,  in  which  he  took  upon 
f  "  Proprietor,  Prince  and  Pa- 
and  Judge  of  Israel,"  ?«"<«» 
ic  corner  stone,  which  took  place 
It  Grand  Island  (then  an  mter- 
ut  which  comer  stone  remains 
xjcupied  by  the  wandering  Jew& 


TO   HIAOARA   FAU.8. 


11 


iewiah  MoDatnent — Orutd  Itland. 


There  is  a  Monument  to  be  seen,  however,  com- 
posed of  brick,  mortar  and  wood  on  which  are 
engraved  in  the  Hebrew  character  the  following 
words : 


A 


ASRARAT. 


EE2' 


A  eirr  or  HsrcoE  for  the  jrrws: 

FoundMl  by  lIordMat  M.  Niwli ;  in  Um  month 

Tiiri,  tSM, 

Septembtr,  IMS,  in  Iha  Stth  ynr  of  AnMiinn 

Indoponfueo, 

Grand  Island  has  many  cultivated  lots  scafc- 
tered  over  it;  and  land  is  offered  by  the  proprietor 
at  very  reasonable  terms  to  induce  the  complete 
settlement  of  it  The  Island  abounds  m  game,  is 
watered  by  numerous  springs,  and  is  in  every  way 
adapted  to  agricultural  purposes.  It  is  constantly 
visited  by  that  peculiar  class  of  Buflfalo  gentlemen, 
calling  themselves 


oroRTBMiair. 

2 


U 


/"fWf 


«iillip»""*^ 


12 


DKSCRIPTIVS    OUIDK 


SchloHir  ImHag—Sny  lilud— Onuxl  bind. 


8CHL0SSER. 


I N  E  miies  below  Tonawanda,  we  pass 
ScHLOssEB  Landing,  celebrated  as  the 
spot  where  the  steamer  Caroline  was 

cut  loose  by  English  militia,  one  night 

in  the  winter  of  1837,  during   the  rebellion  of 
Canada. 

The  insurgents,  calling  themselves  "Patriots," 
being  driven  from  their  purpose,  the  leaders  took 
up  their  stand  on  Navy  Island,  which  you  may  see 
there  separated  by  a  narrow  channel  from  Grand 
Island,  and  having  been  visited  by  great  numbers 
from  the  American  side,  through  curioeity,  the 
little  steamboat  Caroline,  of  Buffalo,  was  put  upon 


MNP 


mm 


vn 


IIPTIVK   GUIDE 


ig— Nkry  likod— Oraixi  bland. 


LOSSER. 


liies  below  Tonawanda,  we  pass 
lER  Landing,  celebrated  as  the 
ere  the  steamer  Caroline  was 
e  by  English  militia,  one  night 
837,  during   the  rebellion  of 

calling  themselves  "Patriots," 
heir  purpose,  the  leaders  took 
Kvr  Island,  which  you  may  see 
a  narrow  channel  from  Oraud 
been  visited  by  great  numbers 
I  side,  through  curioeity,  the 
ttline,  of  Buffalo,  was  put  upon 


TO    KIAOARA   FALLS. 


13 


Ttny  Boat  CunUne— Iti  dntructlon  rewlvad  on. 


the  line  as  a  ferry  boat ;  a  speculation  which  proved 
very  lucrative  to  the  owner.  But  scarce  had  her 
tide  of  trade  began  when  she  was  reported  to 
Colonel  Su-  Allan  N.  McNab,  then  commanding  a 
force  of  nearly  three  thousand  men  at  Chippewa, 
as  a  craft  whose  employment  was  conveying  aid 
and  comfort  to  the  "  Patriots  "  on  Navy  Island. 

Acting  under  that  impression,  this  British  Com- 
mander resolved  on  the  destruction  of  the  Caro- 
line and  detailed  a  chosen  gang.  Accordingly  to 
carry  out  his  plans,  this  gallant  expedition  was 
placed  under  the  conduct  of  a  half-pay  Captain  of 
the  Royal  Navy.  At  the  solemn  hour  of  midnight 
Col.  McNab  reviewed  the  expedition  which  imme- 
diately after  departed  on  its  fiendish  mission  in 
eight  boats. 

ScHLOssKR  was  then,  as  it  is  still,  a  place  where 
no  accommodation  was  to  be  had.  What  was  called 
a  tavern,  was  but  a  miserable  excuse  for  that  ne- 
cessary institution,  and  as  a  matter  of  course 
numbers  filled  the  sleeping  pkces  of  the  Caroline. 
She  was  moored  there  at  the  wharf  There  were 
no  offensive  or  defensive  weapons  on  board.  She 
was  floating  under  her  national  colors  in  her  own 
legitimate  waters.  Midnight  came,  and  the  solitary 
watchman  on  the  deck  was  totally  imaware  of  the 


'1 


mt^m 


eSEEsS 


14 


DKSOIPTITE    aUIDK 


DMtraeUim  of  Um  Cinliiu. 


danger  that  awaited  the  craft.  When  suddenly 
he  hears  the  plash  of  oars  and  the  rippling  at  the 
bows  ^f  approaching  boats.  In  answer  to  the 
sentry's  challenge  of  "Who  goes  there?" — 
"  Friends,"  was  the  reply,  and  in  another  instant 
the  deck  was  alive  with  armed  men.  The  scene 
that  ensued  was  firightfuL  The  dismayed  sleepers 
rushed  upon  deck.  There  was  a  violent  struggle 
between  life  and  death — ^fire  arms  were  freely  used 
by  the  British ;  and,  amid  the  cries  of  "  Cut  them 
down !  give  no  quarter!"  Half  dressed  men  were 
seen  to  spring  upon  the  wharf  through  showers  of 
blows  aimed  at  their  life.  The  last  man  that  ap- 
peared upon  deck,  was  poor  Durfse.  He  stood 
awhile  attempting  to  ward  off  the  thrusts  made 
at  him,  and  at  last  succeeded  in  jumping  on  shore. 
But  a  too  well  aimed  pistol  shot  laid  the  poor  fel- 
low dead  upon  the  wharf. 

Having  accomplished  so  much  of  their  errand, 
these  gjdlant  invaders  cut  the  Caroline  loose  from 
her  moorings,  and,  having  got  all  their  precious 
band  into  tin-  boats,  they  pulled  back  to  Her  Ma- 
jesty's dominions,  while  the  devoted  little  steamer 
floated  into  the  wild  current  of  the  Niagara,  enve- 
loped in  flames,  which  lit  up  the  awful  darkness  of 
the  night  amid  the  brutal  triumph  of  her  destroyers. 


\v 


mMmtem-^mimm 


ssaacssssEEs: 


IPTITB    aUIDK 


letkm  of  tli«  Cwolijie. 


[  the  craft.  When  suddenly 
f  oars  and  the  rippling  at  the 
g   boats.      In  answer  to  the 

of  "Who  goes  there?" — 
reply,  and  in  another  instant 
with  armed  men.  The  scene 
;htfuL     The  dismayed  sleepers 

There  was  a  violent  struggle 
th — ^fire  arms  were  freely  used 
,  amid  the  cries  of  "  Gut  them 
ter !"  Half  dressed  men  were 
the  wharf  through  showers  of 
r  life.  The  last  man  that  ap- 
was  poor  Dcrfse.  He  stood 
o  ward  off  the  thrusts  made 
iucceeded  in  jumping  on  shore, 
d  pistol  shot  laid  the  poor  fel- 
wharf. 

shed  so  much  of  their  errand, 
srs  cut  the  Caroline  loose  from 
having  got  all  their  precious 
,  they  pidled  back  to  Her  Ma- 
vhile  the  devoted  little  steamer 
i  current  of  the  Niagara,  enve- 
ich  lit  up  the  awful  darkness  of 
>rutal  triumph  of  her  destroyers. 


aasHHi 


TO   NIAGAIU   FALLS. 


16 


The  Carolina  cd  fire. 


Swifter  and  swifter  still  she  goes  on  her  eternal 
voyage.  She  rides  the  rapids.  The  raging  ele- 
ments of  fire  and  water  battle  fiercely  for  their 
own.  She  reaches  the  awful  precipice.  As  the 
dying  embers  light  more  brightly  when  about  to 
expire.  So  the  doomed  Caroline  enwrapt  in  flame 
that  flies  to  Heaven  for  vengeance,  lifted  her  form 
to  the  cataracts  breast,  and  plunged  amid  the 
hissing  roar  of  that  mysterious  fall  into  annihila- 
tion! 


2* 


n;:a':.T;;'.t- 


16 


DBscBiprrvx  ohidk 


V 


PlukiiMd— CUppaw*— Fort  gthlomr. 


HERE  is  now  a  plank  road  from 
Schlosser  Landing  to  Niagara  FallB 
"Village,  which  will  render  the  river 
trip  very  pleasant,  as  it  is  but  two 
miles  from  this  landing  to  the  Falls. 

Chippewa,  on  the  Canada  side,  is  the  last  place 
that  is  navigable  with  safety  on  the  Niagara  River 
which  even  here  is  fearfully  rapid. 

The  Tonawanda  and  Chippewa  Creeks  are  the 
only  auxilliaries  to  the  Niagara. 

Fort  Sohujsskr  is  the  next  pdntof  any  interest 
we  pass.  This  primitive  fortification,  never  of  any 
great  appearance,  was  erected  during  the  French 
war,  and  has  now  yielded  its  warlike  features  to 
the  sinple  smiles  of  husbandry.  It  stood  upon  a 
gentle  elevation  between  the  present  road  and  the 
river.  This  place  is  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the 
Falls,  the  thunders  of  which  may  be  distinctly 
heard  now  over  the  noise  of  the  rushing  Railroad 
Traia 

There  is  Ibis  Islaot,  which  stands  m  all  its 
summer  bloom  and  winter  purity  of  whiteness  di- 


:RUT;;.m;'i'.: 


:pTrv«  O0IDS 


Uppaw*— Fort  gchlomr. 


is  now  a  plank  road  from 
'  Landing  to  Niagara  Falls 
which  will  render  the  river 
r  pleasant,  aa  it  is  but  two 
ig  to  the  Falls. 

Canada  side,  is  the  last  place 
I  safety  on  the  Niagara  Biver 
larfully  rapid. 

id  Chippewa  Creeks  are  the 
e  Niagara. 

I  the  next  pmnt  of  any  interest 
(jve  fortification,  never  of  any 
ys  erected  during  the  French 
ielded  its  warlike  features  to 
husbandry.  It  stood  upon  a 
een  the  present  road  and  the 
a  mile  and  a  half  from  the 
of  which  may  be  distinctly 
loise  of  the  rushing  Railroad 

jiND,  which  stands  m  all  its 
vinter  purity  of  whiteness  di- 


VObft  o(  Ni<(um  F>ll»-IUilixi^  lo  Lotkport. 


viding  the  tumbling  waters  as  they  madly  seek 
iJieir  gallant  leap!  We  have  accomplished  our 
journey.  The  steam  whistle  screeches  and— hi— 
presto!     We  enter 

THE  VILLAGE  OF  NIAGARA  FALLS. 

HIS  remarkable  place  was  laid  out 
in  lots  by  the  late  Jddob  Portbh,  to 
whom  nearly  the  entire  property,  in- 

eluding  the  picturesque  islands  at  the 

cataract,  as  well  as  adjacent  to  it,  belongs. 

It  is  laid  out  with  skill  and  judgment,  and  there 
is  little  doubt  it  will  yet  swell  into  a  fine  manufac- 
turing town,  if  not  a  city.  Some  brick  and  stone 
blocks  have  been  put  up  within  a  year.  An  Epis- 
copalian and  a  Presbyterian  Church  have  also 
been  erected,  us  also  a  Roman  Catholic  Church  of 
stone.  The  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Sons  of  Tem- 
perance have  gorgeous  halls  on  the  mam  street 
Both  orders  are  m  a  very  flourishing  state. 

This  is  the  main  street  through  which  we  are 
now  steaming.  It  crosses  our  track  at  right  angles 
and  that  line  of  rail  which  you  observe  runs 
through  the  middle  of  it,  is  the  Raib-oad  to  Lock- 
port,  on  the  Erie  Canal,  about  24  miles  from  this. 


18 


DKacniPTIVB    GUIDE 


PImm  of  AmuMiiwnt— ?<«ir>i»ii»r— Tel»((t»ph. 


The  village  presents  many  places  of  amiisement, 
such  as  Billiard  Rooms,  Bowling  Alleys,  a  Public 
Garden,  and  is  also  possessed  of  a  smart  little 
Weekly  Newspaper  called  "  The  Iris  of  Niagara," 
published  by  G.  W.  Hackstaff,  an  English  gen- 
tleman, who  formerly  published  in  Canada  an 
independent  journal,  thoroughly  advocating  liberal 
principles,  entitled  "  The  London  Enquirer." 

The  Telegraphic  wires  operate  here  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  Canada  Line.  So  that,  should  any 
information  be  required,  or  any  message  sent,  the 
anxious  parties  will  not  have  to  wait  upon  the 
break-neck-speed  of  that  nimrod  invention  which 
killed  horses,  bruised  post  boys,  and  too  often  failed 
to  prove,  with  any  shade  of  decency,  its  right  to 
the  title  of 


THK     BXPSSBB. 


RIPTIVB    GUIDE 


nnunt— Ntwipiiwr— TelnKniph. 


its  many  places  of  amusement, 
ims,  Bowling  Alleys,  a  Public 
)  possessed  of  a  smart  little 
called  "  The  Iris  of  Niagara," 
Hackbtaff,  an  English  gen- 
rly  published  in  Canada  an 
,  thoroughly  advocaiing  liberal 
'  The  London  Enquirer." 
irires  operate  here  in  conjunc- 
da  Line.  So  that,  should  any 
ired,  or  any  message  sent,  the 
not  have  to  wait  upon  the 
'  that  nimrod  invention  which 
1  post  boys,  and  too  often  failed 
shade  of  decency,  its  right  to 


!     BXPaiBB. 


mm 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


19 


Emaimld  StauibMt. 


STEAMBOAT  ROUTE  TO  THE  FALLS. 

S  it  is  to  the  interest  of  the  sight- 
seer to  be  put  in  possession  of  that 
knowledge  which  will  enable  him  to 
choose  his  own  course,  and  receive 
as  much  of  the  inforciduon,  ii?  came,  perhaps,  from 
a  great  distance  to  gather.  We  feel  our  duty  now 
as  a  good  and  faithful  guide,  and  worthy  of  all  re- 
pute, to  call  the  attention  of  our  reader  to  the 
Falls  by  the 


BTBAIIBOAT. 


The  little  craft  Emerald  starts  fh)m  Buffalo 
every  day  at  9  o'clock;  and,  as  she  very  soon  gets 
into  the  current  of  the  Niagara,  you  find  yourself 
gliding  away,  as  in  a  fairy  dreana,  on  the  bosom  of 


IS 


p  if 


.'   li 


20 


DKSCIl^riVB    GUIDK 


those  very  waters  which  soon  wiU  take  that  leap 
which,  rather  than  take,  you  would  submit  to  be 


SHOT     AT. 


Hark!  The  last  bell  rings :  "All  aboard  there  I" 
"  In  with  the  plank."  Plash  go  the  paddlea.— 
She  is  under  way  I 


Look  towards  the  bow  and  you  see  the  green 
wooded  shores  of  Oanada.    Look  to  the  left  and 


IITIVB    GUIDK 


bich  soon  will  take  that  leap 
ike,  you  would  submit  to  be 


IH  OT     AT. 

lell  rings:  "All  aboard  there  I" 
k,"    Plash  go  the  paddlea — 


le  bow  and  you  see  the  green 
Oanada.    Look  to  the  left  and 


liPimmiiiiHi 


MP 


TO    NIAOARA    FALLS. 


21 


'  <tmm  CItjr  of  tlw  UIim  "—Fort  Erio. 


you  see  that  you  are  just  passing  the  pier  and  light- 
house of  Buffalo — and  now  look  to  the  right  and 
you  see  the  "  Queen  City  of  the  Lakes,"  with  her 
many  churches  aspiring  towards  Heaven,  but 
sticking  to  earth  with  the  tenacity  of  stones  and 
mortar. 

Buffalo  has  sprung  from  the  very  womb  of  ne- 
cessity. The  position  she  holds  is  impregnable  to 
the  assaults  of  rivalry.  She  must  grow,  and 
growing,  she  must  expand  ultimately  to  the  size 
of  a  first  rate  city,  blessed  with  commerce,  and  en- 
dowed with  capital. 

There  on  the  left,  on  the  Canada  shore,  which 
we  are  nearing,  stand  the  ruins  of  Fort  Erik.  It 
is  directly  opposite  to  Buffalo^  and  still  retains  the 
remains  of  its  fonner  strength,  having  the  credit, 
even  in  these  days,  amongst  military  engineers  of 
being  admirably  planned  and  soundly  executed. — 
It  was  erected  by  the  French  about  a  century  ago, 
and  was  tht  scene  of  some  glorious  exploits  during 
the  border  wars  of  1812  to  1814,  being  captured 
during  the  latter  year  by  Major  General  Brown, 
taking  its  commandant.  Major  Buck,  with  one 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  men  prisoners  of  war. — 
The  American  general  after  the  affair  of  Fort 
G«orge  and  the  battle  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara, 


waw 


'"IM 


i 


it 


22 


DB8CRIPTITK    ODIDB 


TiM  Rad  MUl— Witarloo. 


here  sustained  a  siege  which  ended  in  the  retiring 
of  the  British,  the  abandonment  and  destruction 
of  the  Fort  by  the  Americans. 

As  the  steamer  moves  along  the  Canada  shore, 
may  be  seen  The  Red  Mill,  directly  opposite  to 
which  point  the  explosion  of  the  boiler  of  the 
steamer  Troy  occurred,  March  the  23rd,  1860,  at 
half-past  2  o'clock,  p.  m.  This  ill-fated  vessel  had 
just  surived  from  Sandusky,  and  had  in  vain  at- 
tempted to  enter  the  port  of  BuflFalo,  upon  finding 
it  impossible  to  clear  the  ice  there,  she  steered  for 
Black  Rock,  determining  to  land  her  passengers  at 
the  Pier.  When  she  had  reached  this  point,  the 
boiler  buret  with  a  terrific  report,  and  the  unman- 
ageable wreck  floated  down  the  river  to  Black 
Rock,  where  she  was  secured  to  the  wharf.  By 
this  sad  event,  thirteen  lives  were  instantly  lost,  a 
number  blown  overboard,  mid  after  a  struggle, 
drowned.  Many  were  very  badly  «vouDded,  some 
of  whom  died  in  a  few  days  after. 

TTATEBLOO. 

We  are  now  passing  the  little  village,  which  is 
distant  a  little  more  than  a  mile  and  a  half  from 
Fort  Erie.  It  has  about  fifty  houses  and  a  little 
over  three   hundred  inhabitants.     Any   persra 


MtfMilMM 


ORIPTITK    OVIDB 


I  Rad  MUI— W>(arl<». 


ge  which  ended  in  the  retiring 
abandonment  and  destruction 
Americans. 

moves  along  the  Canada  shore, 
Med  Mill,  directly  opposite  to 
explasion  of  the  boiler  of  the 
rred,  March  the  23rd,  1850,  at 
p.  M.  This  ill-fated  vessel  had 
Sandusky,  and  had  in  vain  at- 
le  port  of  BuflFalo,  upon  finding 
ir  the  ice  there,  she  steered  for 
lining  to  land  her  passengers  at 
he  had  reached  this  point,  the 
terrific  report,  and  the  unman- 
ited  down  the  river  to  Black 
ras  secured  to  the  wharf.  By 
teen  lives  were  instantly  lost,  a 
etboard,  aad  after  a  struggle, 
rerc  very  badly  (vounded,  some 
few  days  after. 

'ATEBLOO. 

seing  the  little  village,  which  is 
■e  than  a  mile  and  a  half  from 
about  fifty  houses  and  a  little 
cd  inhabitants.     Any   persra 


TO    NIAOARA    FA. 


23 


SteMn  rerr7-Clii|>|wwik 


wishing  to  visit  Fort  Erie,  or  to  proceed  to  the 
Falls  from  this  point,  can  at  all  times  find  convey- 
ances at  moderate  rates. 

There  Is  a  steam  ferry  which  plies  between  this 
point  and  Black  Rock  on  the  opposite  shore. 

This  and  Chippewa  are  the  only  two  villages 
along  the  Canada  shore,  although  the  WeUand 
Canal  is  within  reach.  There  appears  to  be  no 
progressive  spirit  here.  Waterioo  presents  the 
same  wooden  aspect  now,  that  it  did  some  twenty 
years  ago.  But,  should  annexation  ever  take  place, 
this  is  bound  to  be  a  flourishing  town. 


rjiTai^criiiii'. 


24 


DK8CBIPTIVK    GUIDK 


Gnwl  blud— NUgant  RItw. 


THE    ISLANDS. 

Seb  as  we'  glide  along,  how  rudely  beautiful 
Grand  Island  looks.  We  are  now  about  half  way 
past  it  Here  is  the  river  Niagara's  broadest  part, 
which  is  eight  miles  from  the  Canada  shore  to  the 
American,  at  Tonawanda.  The  two  channels  of 
the  river,  formed  by  the  btervention  of  Grand 
Island  are  about  three  quarters,  or  a  mile  broad. 

It  is  strange  how  this  extraordinary  river,  varies 
both  in  its  breadth  and  depth.  Where  we  are  now 
sailing  looks  calm  and  beautiful.  Here  oppodte 
ScHLOssKR,  the  Niagara  is  three  miles  wide.  A 
little  farther  down  it  narrows  its  course  to  three 
quarters  of  a  mile,  and  becomes  impetuous  in  its 
progress,  a  little  farther  down  it  expand-^  again  to 
a  mile  and  a  half.  At  the  B'alls  it  is  again  three 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide.  At  the  WniRLPOOL  be- 
low the  FaUs,  the  river  is  but  one  hundred  and 
forty-five  yards  in  breadth. 

It  is  still  more  unequal  in  its  depth.  In  some 
places  it  is  not  quite  fourteen  feet,  while  in  othen 


-■-ij'iiiiiwmwiwmiHU'iti 


"alij;.|i*(!ji'ji»;i  firijj^iijjI^j^lpjfBi' 


RIPTIVK    OUIDK 


[ilud— NUgan  RInr. 


ISLANDS. 

!  along,  how  rudely  beautiful 
We  are  now  about  half  way 
!  river  Niagara's  broadest  part, 
from  the  Canada  shore  to  the 
randa.  The  two  channels  of 
ly  the  btervention  of  Grand 
ree  quarters,  or  a  mile  broad., 
this  extraordinarj'  river,  varies 
nd  depth.  Where  we  are  now 
and  beautiful.  Here  opposite 
,gara  is  three  miles  wide.  A 
t  narrows  its  course  to  three 
and  becomes  impetuous  in  its 
ther  down  it  expand-^  again  to 
At  the  B'alls  it  is  again  three 
ifide.  At  the  WniRLPOOL  be- 
river  is  but  one  hundred  and 
readth. 

nequal  in  its  depth.    In  some 
B  fourteen  feet,  while  m  othen 


TO   NIAOARA    FALLS. 


25 


Sadden  Fall*— Baekhorn  and  Navy  lilaad— French  VeMeli. 


the  sounding-lead  has  gone  down  two  hundred  and 
eighty -nine  feet. 

The  sudden  falls  and  level  in  this  river  are  not 
its  least  curiosity.  Here  we  behold  it  sleeping 
peacefully,  with  scarcely  the  appearance  of  a  cur- 
rent, and  anon,  it  thunders,  foams,  and  rushes  down 
a  quick  descent 

Niagara  River  is  studded  with  Islands  from 
its  commencement  to  its  discharge  over  the  Falls. 
They  are  tliirty-seven  in  number.  Some  of  them 
little  more  than  rocks,  but  most  of  them  beautiful 
in  appearance. 

Those  two  Islands,  so  near  the  extremity  of 
Grand  Island,  are  called  respectively  Buckhorn, 
and  Navy  Island.  On  the  latter  the  French,  in 
the  wai-  of  1769,  built  their  sliips  of  war,  and 
having  other  business  connected  with  their  navy 
there.  On  the  coi«t  of  the  other  Island,  the  British, 
in  the  same  war,  burned  two  French  vessels,  whose 
charred  hulls  are  yet  visible. 


'i^m^smi^iiftim 


26 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Th«  P>Mol>— Cuadian  RtlMlUoi. 


NAVY    ISLAND. 


0  spot  about   here  is  more   famous 

I  tlian  the  celebrated  head-quarters  of 

that    distinguished    host    of   heroes, 

I  known  to  fame  as  "  The  Patriots,"  par 

excellence. 

Tliis  choice  bit  of  terra-lirma,  belongeth  to  Per 
Most  Gracious  Majesty,  Quken  Victoria  Alrxam- 
DRiNA,  Sovereign  Lady  of  the  British  Isles,  and 
Heaven  only  knows  how  many  dependencies  be- 
udes. 

Now,  it  would  seem  that  some  restless  subjects 
of  the  aforosiiid  little  Female  Sovereign  were  not 
as  content  with  hor  provincial  rule  as  to  loyalty 
seemed  fit ;  so  they,  being  hunted  up  and  threat- 
ened with  confiscation  of  property  and  life,  actually 
had  the  audacity  to  attempt  to  defend  themselves 
against  their  persecutors  and  thus  commenced 
what  is  usually  called  "  the  Canadian  Rtibellion  of 
1837." 

Being  crushed  and  put  down  by  tlie  red  arm  of 
English  power,  the  rebellion  ceased,  and  the  leaders 


-"•Mmmh 


'^fiVtiiipjPlft'fipiifiiriiitiT 


!RIPTIVE    OUID2 


rioO— Cuadiaii  RtMUon. 


Y    ISLAND. 

about  here  is  more  famous 
e  celebrated  head-quarters  of 
istinguished  host  of  heroes, 
to  fame  as  "  The  Patriots,"  par 

terra-lirma,  belongeth  to  fler 
sty,  Queen  Victoria  Albxan- 
ady  of  thn  British  Isles,  and 

how  many  dependencies  be- 
am that  some  restless  subjects 
le  Female  Sovereign  were  not 

provincial  rule  as  to  loyalty 

being  hunted  up  and  threat- 
•n  of  property  and  life,  actually 

attempt  to  defend  themselves 
iutors  and  thus  commenced 
id  "  the  Canadian  Rebellion  of 

d  put  down  by  the  red  arm  of 
ebellion  ceased,  and  the  leaders 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


27 


GMiml  SsUmUad— Wm.  Ljron  McKnni*— OnunI  Scott 


fled  to  tliis  Island,  where  they  determined  to  make 
a  stand  and  look  for  American  sympathy.  They 
were  at  first  but  a  mere  handful,  not  exceeding 
twenty-five  individuals,  under  the  command  of  a 
person  calling  himself  General  Sutherland; 
amongst  them  was  the  notorious  Wm.  Lyon  Mo- 
Kbnzie,  who  had  been  chiefly  instrumental  m 
stirring  up  the  rebellion.  Their  numbers  rapidly 
increased,  until  at  length  they  counted  an  hundred 
men,  when  the  daring  affair  cf  the  Caroline 
brought  matters  to  a  crisis,  and  General  Scott  by 
command  of  the  Government,  completely  suppres- 
sed this  border  warfare,  and  Navy  Island  was 
evacuated  by  "The  Patriots,"  for  aye  and  forever. 


8* 


descriptive:  guidb 


Chlppawft  Dnwtffidge— Rimroad  to  QoMnitOD. 


CHIPPEWA. 

HERE  at  the  mouth  of  Chippewa 
Creek  is  the  village  of  the  same  nam -j. 
It  is  a  port  of  entry,  and  contiii'ns 
from  two  to  three  thousand  inhabi- 
tants. The  harbor  is  good,  and  the  Creek,  wliich 
is  navigable  to  large  vessels  for  tv^enty  miles  up, 
is  spanned  by  a  drawbridge  one  hundred  yards 


There  is  a  rail-road  from  Chippewa  to  Queens- 
ton,  which  runs  along  the  banks  of  the  river,  and 
parsing  close  to  the  Falls,  at  one  point  gives  a  no- 
ble view  of  its  wonders.  As  yet  the  want  of  that 
energy  and  enterprise  so  remarkable  on  the  Ameri- 
can side  has  failed  to  establish  a  locomotive  power. 
So  that  the  carriages  ou  these  rails  are  dragged 
along  by  horses. 

The  view  of  the  rapids,  and  scenery  above, 
from  this  point  is  very  fine. 

CHIPPKWA    TO     THE     FALLS. 

It  is  now  in  the  power  of  the  tourist  to  keep 
along  the  Canada  shore  by  land,  or  to  cross  to 


3RIPTIVE    OUIDK 


iwbridg*— lUUraad  to  QhmmIod, 


IPPE  W  A. 

R  E  at  the  mouth  of  Chippewa 
c is  the  village  of  the  same  nam.-. 

a  port  of  entry,  and  contiiins 
two  to  three  thousand  inhabi- 

is  good,  and  the  Creek,  wliich 
;e  vessels  for  twenty  miles  up, 
rawbridge  one  hundred  yards 

id  from  Chippewa  to  Queens- 
ng  the  banks  of  the  river,  and 
!  Falls,  at  one  point  gives  a  no- 
iders.  As  yet  the  want  of  that 
ise  so  remarkable  on  the  Ameri- 
to  establish  a  locomotive  power, 
ges  ou  these  rails  are  dragged 

he  rapids,  and  scenery  above, 
■ery  fine. 

rA    TO     THE     FALLS. 

power  of  the  tourist  to  keep 
shore  by  land,  or  to  cross  to 


Milii 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


29 


BUUa  of  CUppawl— Trir  Iilud— Onat  Rapida. 

Schlosser,  and,  on  the  American  side,  to  enter  this 
great  theatre  of  Nature's  wonders. 

Should  he  choose  the  former  course,  it  is  full  of 
beauty  and  grandeur.  Let  us  on  then— The  field 
on  which  the  celebrated  Battle  of  Chippewa  was 
fought  is  about  two  miles  from  this,  on  the  road  to 
Buffalo. 

Look  at  the  Niagara  River  now,  and  you  per- 
•  ive  the  point  at  which  tlie  Rapids  commence, 
cuere  at  the  beginning  of  Iris  Island.  Observe  now, 
that  between  us  and  Iris  Island,  are  three  diminu- 
tive isles  called  the  Sisters,  two  of  wliich  are  named 
Moss  and  Deer,  the  tiiird  being  nameless.  Be- 
tween those  islands  and  the  main  land,  where  we 
are,  you  behold  the  Great  Rapids!  Down  on  the 
shore,  where  we  are  now  passing,  at  the  bend  of 
this  inlet  or  bay,  is  a  burning  spring,  and  the  large 
island  you  see  in  that  little  bay  is  Cynthea  Isle. 

Our  road  now  runs  by  the  grounds  of  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Clark,  and  adjacent  is  the  residence  and 
demesne  of  the  late  Samuel  Stkkkt,  Esq.,  who  was 
reputed  to  be  the  richest  individual  in  Canada. 

Crescent  Isle  now  takes  our  attention.  There 
are  many  small  islands  here  within  view,  which 
though  not  large  enough  to  entitle  them  to  notice 
separately;  yet,  by  their  agency,  those  obstructions 


1 


;  :1 


30 


DB80BIFTIVK    OUIDB 


Bunaki— PsTilkm  Hotel. 


are  formed,  which  ^ve  to  the  rapids  all  that  boiling 
maddening  fury  which  forms  their  splendour. 

On  the  left  of  our  road,  on  a  rising  ground  is  a 
large  white  building  with  colonnades.  It  was 
formerly  a  hotel,  named  the  Ontaino  House,  but  is 
now  used  es  a  bcrrack  for  soldiers. 

Further  on  to  our  left  is  the  Pavilion  Hotkl. 
It  occupies  a  very  elevated  and  conspicuous  posi- 
tion. It  overlooks  the  Horse  shoe  fall  and  Table 
rock,  and  gives  to  the  spectator  a  view  of  great 
sublimity.  It  is  well  kept  and  worthy  of  patron- 
age. 


mghmmmmmmmlmm 


)BIFTIVK    QUIDS 


i*akl— PftTiUoB  Hotel. 


^ve  to  the  rapids  all  that  boiling 
ich  formB  their  splendour, 
ir  road,  on  a  rising  ground  is  a 
ig  with  colonnades.  It  was 
med  the  Ontario  House,  but  is 
ick  for  soldiers. 

r  left  is  the  Pavilion  Hotkl. 
derated  and  conspicuous  pod- 
he  Horse  shoe  fall  and  Table 
the  spectator  a  view  of  great 
U  kept  and  worthy  of  patron- 


■M 


TO   irUOABA   FALLS. 


81 


CItj  of  the  Falto— Dfiiiiuiioii<lTill»-Lnlj>i  Lue— ClUkm-CUAon  HoUL 


CITY   OF   THE   FALLS. 

E  now  enter  the  proposed  City  of 
THB  Falls,  and  a  more  magnificent 
site  for  a  city  never  was  given  to  man. 
But  such  is  the  want  of  spirit  amongst 
Her  Britanic  Majesty's  subjects  in  this  Province, 
that  as  yet  it  continues  a  city  on  paper,  an  oriental 
dream — a  castle  in  the  air! 

This  is  Dri'mmondvillk,  a  neat  thriving  village, 
which  has  grown  and  progressed  rapidly. 

Having  visited  Lundy's  Lank,  another  battle 
ground  of  the  war  of  1812,  we  will  proceed  fix)m 
Drummondville  to  ('lifton. 

Here  is  the  site  of  another  city  of  intentiona — 
However,  we  have  the  comfort  of  knowing  that  the 
tourist  is  well  provided  for  at  this  magnificent 
Hotel,  called  the  Clifton  House,  where  the  most 
comprehensive  view  can  be  had.  And  where,  by 
following  the  gently  descending  roadway,  we  reach 
the  ferry  that  connects  the  royal  Provmce  with  the 
great  Republican  Union. 


fWPWsi- 


82 


DIBORIPnTK   aCIDK 


Bportiac, 


To  those  disposed  for  hunting,  the  Clifton  House 
offers  the  unusual  advantage  of  a  pack  of  hounds, 
which,  with  all  other  necessaries,  are  ever  ready  for 


TBB  BP0RT8  OF  THK  FIKLD. 


HUPTITK  aciDK 


BportiK, 


for  hunting,  the  Clifton  House 
dvantage  of  a  pack  of  hounds, 
r  necessaries,  are  ever  ready  for 


OF     THK    FIKLD. 


TO    NIAOARA    FALLS. 


38 


NM]pn'«  eoanMtioii  with  the  LikH. 


NIAGARA. 

lAOARA  isa  name,  which  in  the 
descriptive  language  of  the  Iroquois, 
who  most  frequented  these  parts,  sig- 
nifies Thunder  of  Waters  ;  and 
where  could  a  word  be  found  to  convey  at  once  to 
the  mind  so  distinctly,  and  so  boldly,  the  truth  of 
conception.  This  river,  or  rather  strait,  connects 
Lake  Erie  and  its  mighty  sister  waters — Supe- 
rior, Michigan,  Huron,  and  St.  Glair,  with 
Ontario  ;  which  latter  in  its  turn,  pours  its  proud 
tribute  through  the  giant  river  St.  Lawrence,  into 
the  vast  Atlantic  Ocean. 

All  these  and  numerous  smaller  lakes,  which 
first  find  a  birth  in  the  rocky  moimtains,  may  well 
be  considered  as  one  grand  river,  which  sweeping 
down  from  a  height  of  several  hundred  feet  ad- 
vances onward  to  the  sea,  as  the  monarch  of  rivers, 
for  more  than  two  thousand  miles,  receiving  in  his 
course  the  plentiful  tributaries  of  his  countless 
allies.  Now  spreading  out  his  court  to  almost 
boundless  extent,  now  contracting  and  consolidating 


to  ^hing  power  "«*  "  «'»  '«'»''  "'*,!'' 
tahoml™.   depth    belo«,  and    n.mg    in   8uUen 

Thus,  we  see  that  ine  wi»wi. 
wideat  lakes,  together  with  inauraerable  tnbutane^ 
TZs  oxo;  tL  one  hund..d  and  fifty  thousand 
square  miles  of  surface,  are  forced  over  this  great 
Si.  forming  a  cataract,  whose  vastness  must  be 
studied  for  a  time  before  the  bounded  miagmaUon 
of  man  can  reaUze  its  actual  truth. 

L,„«™age  can  scarcely  approach  it  ne^er  than 
the^r  Indian's  simple,  yet  expressive.  Thurukr 
of  «a<«r»— it  is  in  truth  Niagara! 


i 


jun)« 

this  sacred  spot,  he 
and  majesty  into  the 
nd  rising  in  sullen 
read  out  his  dominion 
,ni  of  Ontario! 
nitt-rs  of  the  world's 
numerable  tributaries, 

■d  and  fifty  thousand 
forced  over  this  great 
086  vastness  must  be 
i  bounded  imagination 
1  truth. 

pproach  it  nearer  than 
!t  expressive,  Thurukr 
iaoara! 


1} 


"Tiin'riHiii  -ti^an  i,nii,ti|.- 


Ol^A 


.S'n\«»»-l.!'\  XT 


< 


iiiii'l1'i*i»iiiii 


■fc-j>(iwit*-»^.'.  ■B-,-*y[»»^'fc^. 


;i 


T;? 


■^'<^ 


1ftv»-  *v|tw 


.^^n\\i\H 


.Aji.  AT  ^!vr  -lo-,: 


MiMi8ai»»i»ujjMW»jWMiiiiiiiiwwi;iui»»i 


GENERAL  DETAILS 


or    TBI 


FALLS  OF  JVIAGARA, 


AKD 


INTER8TING    LOCALITIES    ADJACENT 


! 


\ 


it 


«s 


iruaARA  rAixH. 


37 


Mo   OMMMt— fii»  Atamphtn. 


THE   FALLS  OF  NIAGARA 

R  E  situated  in  latitude  43  deg.  6 
min.  north,  and  longitude  2  deg.  6 
mjn.  west  from  Washington.  It  is  22 
miles  noith  from  Buffalo,  and  14 
miles  south  fiwm  the  pdiit  of  ita  junction  with 
Lakb  Ontario. 

There  is  an  idea  prevalent  that  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  Falls  of  Niagara  must  be  liable  to  dis- 
ease, consequent  on  the  constant  mist,  which  de 
scends  from  the  Cataract  But  such  is  not  the 
case.  The  climate  of  this  magic  neighbourhood  is 
salubrious  in  the  extreme,  as  well  as  highly  invig- 
orating. 

The  atmosphere,  being  constantly  acted  on  by 


: 


38 


DE8CIPTIVB    OUIDB 


RcpltlM— Wild  Aniauto— luHeto  ud  Fowto. 


the  rushing  of  the  rast  flood  of  water,  is  conse- 
quently kept  pure.  The  meet  decided  proof  of  the 
purity  of  Niagara  Falls  is  to  be  found  m  the  elo- 
quent fact  that  when  all  the  world  was  hieing 
scourged  by  OMera,  this  mysterious  spot  ai^d  its 
neighbourhood  entirely  escaped! 

In  fact,  no  epidemic  or  pestilential  <!t>mpl^t8 
ever  visit  this  spot  The  bwbs  and  wild  ftrtrers 
breathe  sweeter  perfume  here  than  elsewhet^  and 
curious  exotics  are  commoa  No  reptiles,  wild  ani- 
mals or  troublesome  insects  are  here  to  be  found, 
not  even  musketoes.  Fowl  of  several  descriptions 
here  enjoy  sweet  converse  with  nature;  and  the 
eagle  and  seagull  hover  wound  the  boundless 
scene,  whilst  the  bee  and  the  butterfly  rwige 
through  the  fragrant  islands  that  stud  the  preci- 
pice that  has  nought  of  fear  for  them. 

We  will  now  proceed  to  view  the  Falm  from  all 
available  pdnta 


'-nwm 


[VB    OUIDB 


mil    iMMoti  ud  Fowk. 


i  flood  of  water,  is  conse- 
!  most  decided  proof  of  the 
is  to  be  found  m  the  elo- 
all  the  world  was  t^ing 
is  mysterious  spot  and  its 
escaped! 

or  pestilential  cOmpljaints 
e  hta-bs  and  wild  flowers 
I  here  than  elsewhere,  and 
oa  No  reptiles,  wild  aoi- 
cts  are  here  to  be  found, 
>wl  of  several  descriptions 
•se  with  nature;  and  the 
!r  wound  the  boundless 
ind  the  butterfly  rmge 
\nds  that  stud  the  pred^ 
eai'  for  them, 
o  view  the  Falm  fnom  all 


^imi»mi!%mm»iiiummmiKm 


;», 


m^w^ 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


41 


rnmptl  Poiit  Cottage. 


VIEW  FROM  PROSPECT  POINT. 

E  T  us  now  proceed  through  the  gi-ove 
to  Prospect  Point,  the  best  view  of 

the    FhHs  from  the  American  side. 

|As  we  advance  towards  its  presence, 
the  thunder  of  Niagara  roUs  awfully  on  our  ears; 
and  now  a  turn  in  the  walk  brings  us  in  front 
of  Prospect  Point  Cottage,  where  the  senses  are 
instantly  captivated  by  the  sight 

Here  we  are  presented  with  the  whole  line  of 
the  Cataract  m  perspective  from  one  shore  to  the 
other,  a  distance  of  fully  three  quarters  of  a  mile. 

Before  leaving  Prospect  Point,  let  us  advance  as 
near  the  brink  as  possible.  There  used  to  be  a 
small  projecting  platform,  ballanced  with  rocks  at 
this  place  to  enable  the  visitor  to  advance  two  yards 
beyond  the  edge,  and  look  down  in  safety  at  the 
mad  waters  dashing  down  amongst  the  rocks  be- 
low him,  to  a  depth  of  nearly  two  hundred  feet! 
This  convenience,  through  motives  of  prudence, 
has  been  removed,  however. 


WnilllMWIHMIIWllilMMW.JtHI.IWWI 


42 


DXSORIFTIVK   OUIDK 


Aintricu  FaU-Bath  IiUnd-Iiii  bUnd-HoianliM  Fall. 


ii: 


Tills,  next  us,  is  the  Amkbican  Fall,  with  the 
rapids  and  Islands  above.  Behold,  too  the  seething 
fathomless  cauldron  beneath !  This  Island  near  us 
is  called  Bath  Island,  to  which  a  bridge  leads,  as 
you  see,  from  the  main  land.  Beyond  it  is  Iris 
Island,  (sometimes  called  Goat  Idand)  to  which 
another  bridge  leads,  forming  one  line  of  commu- 
nicatioH  between  the  American  shore  and  Iris 
Island,  the  grand  centi-e  of  the  series  of  cataracts. 
And  in  the  extreme  distance  is  the  Canadian 
(called  from  its  peculiar  form)  Horseshok  Fall.      I 


J 


TIVK   OniDK 


ud  -Ilk  blud— Honnhoa  Fall. 

!  Amxbican  Fall,  with  the 
e.  Behold,  too  the  seething 
Death !  This  Island  near  us 
to  which  a  bridge  leads,  as 
in  land.  Beyond  it  is  Iris 
lied  Goat  Island)  to  which 
orming  one  line  of  commu- 
American  shore  and  Iris 
e  of  the  series  of  cataracts, 
distance  is  the  Canadian 
•  form)  HoRSESHOB  Fall. 


MM 


VIEW    FROM  THE   BRIDGE  AND 
ISLANDS. 

E  will  now  croBB  that  bridge  whiob 
leads  to  Bath  Island.  Behold  how 
aiagnificent  the  wild  tomHHl  of  those 

waters  as  they  it;ll  and  foam,  and  rush 

on  reckksslj  beneath  the  bridge  (m  which  we  eftand, 
to  then-  doomed  fall ! 

It  must  be  a  source  of  surprise  to  the  behdMer, 
that  a  bridge,  such  as  that  on  which  we  are,  could 
be  erected  amidst  this  "Hell  of  waters,"  at  little 
more  than  sixty  rods  from  the  fearful  preci|Hce 
itself 

The  plan  adopted  was  simple,  notwithstanding. 
The  first  abutment  framed  of  heavy  timber,  being 
set  up  on  the  bank,  {Meces  were  run  out,  bearing 
on  it,  and  balanced  on  the  land  side  by  large  rocks 
of  several  tons  weight  These  beams  were  planked 
over,  and  thus  a  hanging  bridge  was  formed  oa 
which  the  workmen  ran  out  stone  and  droped  them 
down  into  the  water  until  the  pile  showed  itself;  a 


Ml 


WM 


[PTIVS   GUIDB 


iHbl  pr»dp>t«— Uangins  &iridf(«. 


THE   BRIDGE  AND 

iANDS. 

aw  oroBB  that  bridge  whioh 
Bath  Island  Behold  how 
it  the  wild  tumxHl  of  those 
they  iT;ll  and  foam,  and  rush 
he  bridge  tm  which  we  itand, 

of  surprise  to  the  behdMer, 

that  on  which  we  are,  could 

I  "Hell  of  waters,"  at  little 

from  the  fearful  precijHce 

ras  simple,  notwithstanding, 
med  of  heavy  timber,  being 
eces  were  run  out,  bearing 
ihe  land  side  by  large  rocks 
These  beams  were  planked 
{faig  bridge  was  formed  oa 
i  out  stone  and  dropd  them 
atil  the  pile  showed  itself ;  a 


10  KUOABA  rAua 


46 


Tk«BiU|a. 


crwtte  or  Strong  frame-work  was  then  hud  down 
and  filled  up  with  heavy  stone-work.  This  pier  was 
aoon  connected  permanen%  with  the  abutment, 
«.d  the  same  course  of  proceeding  repeated,  until 
the  bridge  was  finaUy  completed;  and  by  adopting 
the  same  plan  in  making  a  bridge  from  Bath  Ishmd 
to  Ins,  the  connection  with  the  main  hbid  was 
made  both  safe  and  pleasant  Formerly,  the  visitor 
to  Iris  Island  was  compelled  to  hmd  from  betow 
m  a  boaV  between  the  falls  at  the  base  of  Iris 
Island. 

The  first  bridge  erected  here  was  in  1817  by 
General  Bakkhurst  Wbitn«t,  of  the  Catainct 
House.  It  was  somewhat  higher  up  the  rapids. 
This  structure  did  not  last  more  than  one  yeai- 
being  carried  away  by  the  ice.  The  foUowing 
summer  after  its  destruction,  the  present  substan- 
tial  bndge  was  built  by.  the  Messiu  Portkr 

The  whole  extent  of  this  bridge  is  forty-four 
nids,  vis:  Twenty-eight  rods  to  Bath  Island,  and 
thence  sixteen  rods  to  Iris  Island  It  cost  about 
sateen  hundred  doUars.  This  bridge  was  re- 
paired in  1839,  and  also  in  1849,  and  is  now  m  a 
sound  and  perfect  state. 

Pause  here  and  scan  those  overwhehning  lapids 
a»  they  rush  down  their  inclined  course,  and,  rush- 


tMMm 


'    i     ! 

1 

1 

1 

1    ^' 

i 

ll 


46 


DiaORIFTIYI   OUIDK 


ing  vainly  against  the  piers  of  the  bridge  under  ns, 
seem  to  tussel  with  each  other  with  ungovemaole 
anger,  till,  like  their  countless  predecesaors,  they 
too  go  down  the  horrid  leap  together! 

This  bridge  has  been  the  silent  witness  of  many 
a  thrilling  scene,  but  of  not  one  which  caused  more 
dismay  than  the  following,  the  detailed  account  of 
which  we  here  give  from  the  columns  of  The  Buf- 
fialo  Bailtf  Reprtblic  and  Cmtrier  newspapers:— 

"MKI^NCHOLT   OCCUHRBNOK    AT   NUOARA   FALIA" 

"A  most  melancholy  occurrence  took  place  at 
Niagara  Falls,  on  Monday  night  last,  about  twelve 
o'clock.  A  Mrs.  Mhxib,  who  represented  herself 
as  the  daughter  of  Senator  Norvbll,  of  Michigan, 
and  as  the  wite  of  an  officer  in  the  army  now  in 
Florida,  and  who,  with  her  children,  had  been 
stopping  at  the  Eagle  Hotel,  jumped  from  the 
bridge,  leading  to  Goat  Island,  mto  the  river,  and 
was  carried  over  the  cataract  The  particulars  of 
this  heart-rending  a^ur  are  thus  given  by  a  cor- 
respondent of  the  Courier,  writing  from  the  Falls 
yesterday : 

"  Our  village  was  this  morning  thrown  into  deep 
gfoom  by  a  report  that  a  young  lady  Lad  probably 
committed  suicide  here,  during  some  time  last 


M!! 


IRIFTin   OCIDK 


ilaMkoljr  MRumiM. 


e  piers  of  the  bridge  under  as, 
each  other  with  ungovemaole 
r  countless  predecessors,  they 
rid  leap  together! 
een  the  silent  witness  of  many 
of  not  one  which  caused  more 
)wiag,  the  detailed  account  of 
from  the  columns  of  The  Buf- 
and  Courier  newspapers : — 

RWCNOB    AT   NUOARA   FAUA" 

loly  occurrence  took  place  at 
>nday  night  last,  about  twelve 
■XX&,  who  represented  herself 
lenator  Norvell,  of  Michigan, 
a  oflScer  in  the  army  now  in 
ith  her  children,  had  been 
fie  Hotel,  jumped  from  the 
lat  Island,  mto  the  river,  and 
cataract  The  particulars  <A 
Wr  are  thus  given  by  a  cor- 
yuri^r,  writing  from  the  Falls 

his  morning  thrown  into  deep 
It  a  young  lady  Lad  probably 
ere,  during  some  time  last 


TO  HIAOAJU  YAUS. 


4Y 


N«»i|iini  KawMt. 


night,  which  is  undoubtedly  too  true.     The  cir- 
comstanoes  are  as  follows: 

"The  train  of  cars  yesterday  morning  brought 
hither  a  young  woman  of  fine  personal  appearance, 
and  about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  having  with  her 
two  bright  looking  boys,  four  and  six  years  old. 
After  taking  rooms  at  the  Eag'«i  Hotel,  she  called 
for  writing  materials,  and  nothing  more  was  known 
of  her  until  this  morning.  Between  seven  and 
eight  o'clock,  the  bell  of  the  room  she  had  occupied 
was  rung  by  the  little  boys.  They  were  mquhing 
for  their  mother. 

"  Upon  the  table  were  found  three  letters— one 
dh-ected  to  Major  Millkr,  U.  a  A.,  and  one  to 
Hon.  John  Norveu,  Detrrat,  Mich.,  and  one  to  the 
pn^rietor  of  the  Eagle  Hotel,  (a  copy  erf  which  I 
send  you)— ako  the  ringlets  of  one  side  of  her 
head,  her  gold  watch,  two  trunks  of  clothing,  a  silk 
purse  containing  some  gold  and  silver  c«ns,  and 
her  wedding  ring. 

"  The  children  state  that  their  mother  had  bid 
them  good-bye  and  kissed  them,  after  they  had 
gone  to  bed— that  they  had  last  come  from  Win- 
chester, Virginia,  und  that  their  father  was  in  Flo- 
rida. No  cause  can  be  assigned  for  the  act  She 
appeared  perfectly  rational  throughout  yesterday. 


i| 


mm^^^iif^ 


I.      I 


48 


DXSOBIPTITI   CHTIDI 


Ccryi  •  >•••«  to  Ut.  wkitt. 


and  not  the  least  symptom  of  insanity  was  noticed 
Nothing  has  yet  been  found  to  throw  the  least  light 
upon  the  matter. 

"  P-  S. — Enough  has  been  found  to  warrant  the 
belief  that  the  unfortunate  lady  leaped  from  the 
bridge  that  leads  to  Goat  Island,  and  was  swept 
over  the  Falls.  \Jpoa  the  second  pier  was  found 
her  bonnet,  which  had  been  trodden  upon.  Her 
black  crape  shawl  was  found  tied  to  the  railing  ai 
the  bridge,  to  let  her  down  upon  the  per  which  is 
some  six  feet  below  the  railing.  She  undoubtedly 
did  this  to  indicate  to  those  who  should  look  tar 
her,  that  her  mind  was  made  up  for  the  fearful 
leap  into  the  yawning  chasm  below. 

"  Her  &ther  has  been  telegraphed,  and  the  chil- 
dren have  been  kindly  taken  charge  of,  by  the 
Hon.  Augustus  8.  Portkb. 

"  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  letter  addressed 
by  Mrs.  Millbr  to  Mr.  Whttk,  of  the  Eagle 
Hotel: 

"  'To  THE  PSOPRIKTOROF  THB  EaOU  HoTKL. — 

My  mind  is  made  up.  I  have  no  wish  to  live  any 
longer.  I  shall  go  where  my  body  will  never  be 
recovered.  No  one  shall  gaze  on  my  mangled  re- 
mains. Please  take  care  of  my  two  little  boys  till 
they  can  be  sent  to  Detrnt,  where  their  grand  pa- 


OKOnVM   OC1DC 


rfatatlwtolb.  Wkita. 


mptom  of  insanily  whs  noticed 
in  found  to  throw  the  least  light 

has  been  found  to  warrant  the 
atunate  lady  leaped  from  the 
o  Goat  Island,  and  was  swept 
K«  the  second  pier  was  found 
liad  been  trodden  upon.  Her 
ras  found  tied  to  the  railing  of 
ir  down  upon  the  per  which  is 
the  railing.  She  undoubtedly 
to  those  who  should  look  tar 
was  made  up  for  the  fearful 
g  chasm  below, 
teen  telegraphed,  and  Uie  chil- 
dly taken  charge  of,  by  the 

PORTKB. 

a  copy  of  the  letter  addressed 
Mr.  Whits,  (rf  the  Eagle 

ITOROF  TBB  EaOU  HoTBL. — 

I  have  no  wish  to  live  any 
rhere  my  body  will  never  be 
ihall  gase  on  my  mangled  re- 
tare  of  my  two  little  boys  till 
tetriHt,  where  their  grand  po- 


TO  NIASASA   7AIX8. 


49 


FoMeriiit  to  LalUr— Hrar]r  BUkimw. 


rentB  reside.  They  are  the  sons  of  Major  Millkr, 
of  the  Army,  now  in  Florida,  and  grand-sons  of 
Hon.  John  Norvkll,  Detroit,  Michigan.  Please 
forward  my  letters,  and  protect  my  children  till 
some  of  their  relatives  can  come  for  them. 

'MRS.  J.  G.MILLER' 

"  Postscript. — Since  the  above  was  put  in  type, 
we  have  learned  that  there  is  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  Mrs.  Millbr  is  still  alive,  having  eloped 
with  a  friend  from  Philadelphia,  and  that  she  placed 
the  shawl  and  bonnet  on  the  bridge  and  wrote  the 
letters,  which  were  found  in  her  room,  to  convey 
the  impression  that  she  had  gone  over  the  Falls. 
The  circumstances  leading  to  this  belief  are  as 
follows : 

"  On  Thursday  last,  a  man  who  registered  his 
name  '  Henry  Blakemer,  Philadelphia,'  stopped  at 
the  Exchange  Hotel,  in  this  city.  He  said  that  he 
e;fpected  some  friends  in  a  day  or  two,  and  was 
watehing  the  arrival  of  every  train  of  cars.  On 
the  arrival  of  the  Sunday  morning  train,  he  was 
observed  by  the  porter  of  the  house  in  conversa- 
tion, m  the  sittmg  room  of  the  depot,  with  a  lady 
with  two  childrea  The  lady,  who  was  afterwards 
ascertained  to  be  Mrs.  Miller,  took  lodgings  at  the 


—trpf^-f—rfW-i'  -r  "•> 


DK8CIPTIVE    GVIVS 


Mr.  BUkamtr  him  a  horn  u<l  bugfy. 


Lovejoy  House,  b  't  subsequently  went  to  the  Ex- 
change, where  she  remained  until  Monday  morn- 
ing, wh.n  she  took  the  nine  o'clock  train  for  the 
Falls. 

"  On  the  aftemoon  of  Monday,  Mr.  Blakemer  went 
to  the  livery  stable  of  Mr.  Miller  on  Washington- 
s^jeet,  and  hired  a  horse  and  buggy  to  go  two 
ttiles  below  Tonawanda  He  returned  about  three 
o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning  with  a  lady,  beUeved 
to  be  Mrs.  Millbr,  leaving  her  at  the  raihoad  depot, 
when  he  brought  the  horse  back  to  the  livery 
stable.  He  then  called  at  the  Exchange  for  his 
baggage,  and,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Miller,  took  the 
fast  train  which  leaves  here  at^  past  6,  purchasing 
tickets  for  Cayuga  Bridge." 


'IPTIVE    GUIDK 


i<r  hina  a  hoiw  ud  iaggy. 


subsequently  went  to  the  Ex- 
remained  until  Monday  morn- 
;he  nine  o'clock  train  for  the 

)f  Monday,  Mr.  Blakemer  went 
of  Mr.  Miller  on  Washington- 
horse  and  buggy  to  go  two 
da  He  returned  about  three 
aoming  with  a  lady,  believed 
.ving  her  at  the  raihmd  depot, 
le  horse  back  to  the  livery 
led  at  the  Exchange  for  his 
anied  by  Mrs.  Miller,  took  the 
3  here  at  i  past  6,  purchasing 
idge." 


TO^'-BueAiii  "vinsiK'' 


61 


Twial 


■■^■: 


BATH   IJBL AND. 

ERE  ilibi^^^taresque  litde  ToU 
Htfuse,  r^^^,  year  name,  and  pay 
twealy-fiVe'  een#whf<dh  sum  will  pre 
you  m  hvidtat  of  tiie  bridge  and 
islauda  for  the  year;' 

We  will.now  talte^  knlc  it 

'  ■    • .      '^1  ■-'■''    '-■  ■< 

■  HIP    AVtti    9ttt9    laUXVPB. 

Those  fontaatie  tvHns  receiml  their  present 
names  from  a  supposed  rescimlitanoe  to  vessels. 
This  littb  bridge  which  leads  to  Ship  Island, 
although  slight,  may  be  relied  upon  as  perfectly 
safe.  View  the  rapida  from  this  point!  How  wild 
the  world  of  waters  seems.  Yet  how  heavenly 
peaceful  are  those  islets^  embosomed  in  &ir  foliage 
of  trees  aad  vines,  carpeted  with  nature's  matchless 
moss,  and  redolent  <^  flowers  that  never  felt  the 
withering  influence  of  man  I  Ship  Island  is  also 
called  the  "  Lovers'  Retreat" 

A  truly  tasteftd  bver  of  Nature  must  he  be 
who  would  here  take  up  bis  abode  away  from  the 
♦       6* 


7"ian-'-r-r 


^jp^ 


in 


.f- 


59 


acatm 


rude  realities  of  a  heartleaa  world,  which,  like  the 
waters  that  roll  around  him,  is  ever  pn^;reaaiiig 
regardless  of  agories  which  rise  on  i|s  oouiae. 
Aye,  this  if  the  spot  for  the  rotarir  ot 


IVmB  MTOB 


»rtIeM  worid,  which,  like  the 
ind  him,  'u  ever  pn^^readng 
68  which  rise  on  ifs  ooune. 
for  the  Totaty  of 


ivriD  I 


IRIS   ISLAND. 

S  there  Mt  Id*  In  this  world,  which 
hm  Bogn$i%dmm  uHm  little  spot 
ewth,  lOBrDfllj  half  a  mile  long, 
d  blit  cij^tjr  rods  wide,  containing 
in  all  noit  more  than  |iKty-two  aorea  of  arable  land. 
Yet  it  has  been  vlitedl^  bygone  generations  from 
all  quarters  ni  the  globe,  and  countless  generations 
jet  will  tread  its  walks  of  wonder. 

W«  befwe  stated  that  it  was  also  called  Ghat 
Itland  This  i^pdlatkm  took  its  rise  from  the  fact 
of  a  Mr.  Steadnum,  then  a  resident  at  Sofalosser  in 
lI'iO,  placing  a  variety  of  animals  on  it:  amongst 
Others  a  number  of  goats.  Of  these,  a  bearded 
patriarch  was  the  only  one  who  survived  the  se- 
verity of  wmter,  and  he  remained  in  sole  posses 
ikm  tat  a  I<mg  time. 

The  beautiful  name  of  Iris  Island,  it  derives  fKnn 
the  rainbows,  which  perpetually  bend  round  its 
shrine  at  the  Falls,  which  indicate  this  to  be  the 
fiivwite  home  of  the  goddess  Iris.     Here  are  seats 


54 


TincftmlkrhJItak. 


where  we  may  sit  and  rest  before  proceeding 
farther. 


the 


Let  U8  now  turn  to  the  right  and  take  a  look  at 


«««'«. «>A  OK.- - 

This  naiTow  ridge  is  ag  called  j(wm|  jtn  p«c|i% 
shape.  From  it  you  l^ve  a  m^oiflcent  view  0$ 
the  Central  Fall,  Ijhe  American  Fa^  the  river  be- 
low,'and  the  long  line  of  ifoliaged  perpendicular 
banks  which  wall  the  fallen  waters  as  they  speed 
*waj. 


ii~-1m.im.wMmmm» 


a.  Mm  cnnas 


hMilk(*Jiuk. 


tnd  rest  before  proceeding 
the  right  and  take  a  look  at 


'•■•■AOK.-'^ 

tg  called  hoa^  Hn  peculiar 
i^ve  a  m^iii^eiit  view  oaf 
JDtterican  Fa4  the  river  be- 
I  of  foliaged  perpendicular 
isdlen  waters  as  tiiey  qieed 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


56 


Cmcant  F>n— Pn>ep«ct  bluil. 


THE  CENTRAL  OR  CRESCENT  FALL 

Wb  will  now  contemplate  the  beauties  of  tliis 
¥&^ ,  which,  though  narrow,  is,  from  its  amazing 
depth,  alone  sufficient  to  inspire  reverence. 

It  is  formed  by  that  portion  of  the  Niagara  river 
out  off  by  Prospect  Island  from  the  American 
volume  of  water,  and  is  but  twenty  yards  wide. 
How  clear — how  sparkling — how  fairy-like  it  looks. 
No  break,  no — no  difference — all  in  unity — one 
beautiful  vestal's  sheet  of  stainlests  hue  spread  for 
eternity ! 

Underneath  the  rock  on  which  we  stand,  and 
behind  this  cascade,  is  the  Cavk  of  the  Winds, 
which  we  will  visit  presently.  But  first  let  us  cross 
this  bridge  and  take  a  still  better  view  than  we 
have  yet  had  of  the  American  Fall  from 

FROBPKOT     ISLAND. 

By  some  this  is  called  Luna  Island.  It  is  in 
truth  a  very  lovely  spot,  the  view  from  which  is 
magnificent.   Here  in  this  richly  embowered  Island, 


J 


: ;  '^'-fe«||f4K 


so 


DKSORIFTIVB    OUIDI 


ViflW  of  the  Ain«ri«U)  Fall— The  three  Profllee. 


the  bird  of  liberty,  the  eagle,  used  to  enjoy  his  full 
born  freedom  in  repose,  in  times  when  the  enslaver, 
Man,  had  not  yet  profaned  its  sanctity  with  his 
presence.  See  now — ^the  view  is  matchless — Here, 
come  the  rude  rapids,  rolling  and  struggling  down, 
chafing  those  many  little  sunny  islands  as  they  rush 
along,  as  if  jealous  of  their  beauty.  There,  the 
broad  sheet  of  the  American  Faix  tumbles  down 
the  diaay  descent  in  terrible  majesty.  It  is  a  sight 
to  study — r  memory  nevej  to  be  erased  We  will 
now  returii  to  Iris  Island,  and  examine  the  very 
singular  jppearwice  presented  from  the  Hog's 
Back,  being  what  are  called 

THE     THREE     PROFILES. 

You  must,  however,  draw  powerfully  on  Imagina- 
tion, for  the  action  of  the  waters  has  nearly  effaced 
them  altogether.  The  first  or  highest  represented 
the  profile  of  a  negro ;  the  second,  of  a  well  featured 
young  man  ;  and  the  third,  of  an  aged  man  with 
spectacles. 


i»m*iim.wmm«mMSKIBtg^'i 


1 


DPTivK  amDt 


«M)  FaU~Tli«  three  ProfllM. 


B  eagle,  used  to  enjoy  his  full 
s,  in  times  when  the  enslaver, 
ofaned  its  sanctity  with  his 
the  view  is  matchless — Here, 
rolling  and  struggling  down, 
le  sunny  islands  as  they  rush 
I  their  beauty.  There,  the 
[ERicAN  Faix  tumbles  down 
rrible  majesty.  It  is  a  sight 
evei  to  be  erased  We  will 
nd,  and  examme  the  very 
presented  from  the  Hog's 
;alled 

S  B    PROFILES. 

Iraw  powerfully  on  Imagtna- 
le  waters  has  nearly  effaced 
first  or  highest  represented 
he  second,  of  a  well  featured 
bird,  of  an  aged  man  with 


TO   iriAOAIU   FALLS. 


57 


Tl|*  ihiM  PntUt. 


TBI    TBBIB    PB0FILB8. 


I     fi 


58 


DB8CBIPTIVS    ODIDK 


HoimAm  Fall— PrwfTCt  Tower. 


VIEW   OF  THE  HORSE-SHOE  FALL. 

We  now  face  towards  Canada,  and  by  pursuing 
this  walk  soon  come  m  sight  of  the  Terrapin  Rocks, 
Bridge,  Tower,  and  the  beautiful  curve  called  the 
HoKSKSBOK  Fall. 

How  magical  is  the  scene  before  \is !  Let  us 
contemplate  it. 

As  you  perceive,  the  name  of  this  Fall  is  rather 
inappropriate  now,  as  the  constant  giving  way  of 
parts  so  changed  its  form,  that  it  rather  resembles 
the  figure  5. 

FROBPBOT     TOWER. 

This  stone  building  is  foriy-five  feet  high,  and  was 
erected  in  the  year  1 833,  by  Judge  Porter.  There 
is  a  flight  of  winding  stairs  inside  by  which  you 
ascend  and  obtain  one  of  the  most  imutterably 
magnificent  views  that  the  mind  can  take  in. 

You  look  down  into  the  very  caldron  itself,  and 
see  the  peerless  green  waters  how  they  have  been 
lost  in  foam  and  mist     Look  up  the  rapid^  pjxd 


PTIVS    GUIDK 


'•U—PntfKl  Towar. 


HORSE-SHOE  FALL. 

Is  Canada,  and  by  pursuing 
sight  of  the  Terrapin  Rocks, 
i  beautiful  curve  called  the 


scene  before  m !     Let 


us 


name  of  this  Fall  is  rather 
le  constant  giving  way  of 
m,  that  it  rather  resembles 

3T     TOWBR. 

forty-five  feet  high,  and  was 
I,  by  Judge  Porter.  There 
tairs  inside  by  which  you 
of  the  most  imutterably 
he  mind  can  take  in. 
be  very  caldron  itself,  and 
aters  how  they  have  been 
Look  up  the  rapid^  pjid 


TO  mAOAiu  VAua. 


59 


MMklkaHnmit. 


see  those  beautiful  billows  ruahing  madly  on  in 
their  wild  career  as  if  dearous  of  then-  destined 
leap.  Look  at  either  fflde  and  beht'ii  thi  iniling 
green  shores  and  hear  the  thoughtless  birds  how 
they  ewrol  otb  uocoiudous  of  the  dread  abyss 
and  imscared  by  its  endless  thunder. 

Those  timbttviriuch  yoa  see  toatterdi  about, 
KsetlM  {Kxa-  rentabs  of  a  oaoe  Uf^  xui^  bridge 
-rliich'Qen.  Whitoey  built  hsra 

You  see  that  timber  whkb  projects  otrer  the 
gnlph.  On  it  Fraocis  Abbott,  the  bennit  of  the 
Fa^  was  in  th«  haiik  of  faddng  a  daily  walk, 
rteaohing  the  vexj  eiujl»  and  ticTOag  on  his  heel  to 
ooraebadt  A  feat irfaieh lew  wotdd  Jigve  nerve 
enough  to  perfonn. 


■■■r'^s,   '^     'A'f'-'^ 


!r:l 


Im 


THE   BIDDLE    STAIR-CASE. 

0  W  let  us  return  by  the  walk  -we 
came  from  Proepect  Uand,  and  visit 
Tbs  Biddub    Staiboass,  which   we 

passed  in  coDiing  here. 

This  staircase  takes  its  name  fr(«n  Nicholas 
BiODLB,  Esq.,  at  whose  expense  it  was  erected  in 
1629,  and  to  whom  the  tourist  is  deeply  indebted, 
as  it  enabled  him  to  reach  this  part  of  the  island, 
to  pass  over  the  rocks,  and  approach  the  falling 
sheet  of  w^ter.  Before  its  construction,  the  tourist 
had  to  come  in  a  boat  from  the  ferry. 

A  steep  of  some  forty  feet,  notched  into  rude 
steps,  leads  to  the  head  of  the  staircase,  which  is 
about  eighty  feet,  having  ninety  steps.  From  this 
staircase  down  to  the  rir  jr  is  eighty  feet  more  of 
descent ;  making  the  total  descent  from  the  top 
of  the  bank  above,  one  hundred  and  eighty-five 
feet  At  this  pdnt  of  the  river  below,  the  aiu^er 
may  enjoy  his  vocation  in  an  unequalled  de^^e. 
Shortly  after  this  staircase  was  finidied,  in  the  fiiD 


TVnt    OUIDB 


IdkSHIr- 


STAIR-CASE. 

us  return  by  the  walk  we 

Proepect  Uand,  and  visit 
u  Staiboasx,  which  we 
■oodag  here. 

its  name  fix«n  Nicholas 
expense  it  was  erected  in 

tourist  is  deeply  indebted, 
ich  this  part  of  the  island, 
i,  and  approach  the  falling 
its  construction,  the  tourist 
pom  the  ferry, 
ty  feet,  notched  into  rude 
I  of  the  staircase,  which  is 
g  ninety  stepa  From  this 
r  jr  is  eighty  feet  more  of 
>tal  descent  from  the  top 

hundred  and  eighty-fire 
he  river  below,  the  aiuder 

in  an  unequaDed  degree, 
se  was  finidied,  in  the  fiiD 


TO   HIAOAKA  FALLS. 


61 


CaaFMak,  tk*  Jwm   Foot  of  tko  Cmancl. 


of  1829,  the  eccentric  Sau  Patch,  the  most  daring 
jumper  in  the  world,  made  two  successful  leaps 
here  from  a  platform  ninety-seven  feet  high  !  Pour 
Sam,  not  content  with  his  glory,  made  another,  and 
a  greater  leap  at  the  Genesee  Falls  ;  but  still  his 
ambition  was  ungratified  ;  he  jumped  once  more 
from  the  same  place  from  a  height  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  feet!  This  was  his  last  leap  :  for 
Sam  Patch  never  rose  again,  and  never  smce  has 
been  heard  o£ 

Having  descended  the  Biddle  Stairs,  we  advance 
alcHig  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff,  with  the  fearfully  im- 
pendmg  rocks  above  us,  seeming  as  if  ready  just 
now  to  fall  and  crush  us.  Yet,  with  all  this  fear, 
there  is  something  so  imposing  in  our  situation  as 
to  render  it  pleasing,  although  you  see  innumerable 
evidences  around  you  of  the  constant  falling  down 
of  fragments  from  above.  But  it  is  a  sort  of  asaxi- 
rance  to  one  that,  amongst  the  countless  tourists 
who  have  trod  this  path  till  now,  not  a  single  acci- 
dent has  yet  occurred. 

Let  us  now  approach  the  foot  of  the  Cataract, 
and  view  the  awful  splendor  of  this  scene.  Look 
at  that  hue  of  green  in  the  horseshoe  fall — ^what  can 
eqhal  that  ?  See  the  rich  olvery  waters,  how  they 
chase  each  other  down  that  terrible  descent   Here, 


68 


n— OMPwwi,  tmtm 


TkaakMtil 


y^^Wf^^^^  ^i'PNw^ 


reMmUing  frosted  pillanof  ■now;  tboni  oae  mM 
sheet  of  rolling  f^  !  Behdd  that  lorely  rain- 
bow— fit  accom{MiiiiiMBt  of  saoh  a  picture. 

Gaw  on.    We  an  in  the  prewaee  of  the  «. 
chantor. 


'-?.;-■«■  »,„,-«|ii,  ~^,«-'^y,^  .0^: 


"•smtmrnmammi'm:!    Limiii 


n(d  mow,  (b«r^<naialU 
I    Behold  that  hrdj  nia- 
9i  of  Bttoh  a  picture., 
D  the  preKQce  of  the  «»• 


rl 


TO    NIAGARA    PALLS. 


63 


Th»  Lower  FUhtaf  Rock— Vi«w  of  th«  gnat  AmaiiMn  Fall. 


THE   CAVE   OF  THE    WINDS. 

N  leaving  tlie  Biddle  Stairs,  our  best 
course  is  to  proceed  to  the  Centra] 
Fall.  Let  us  descend  this  sloping 
bank  to  that  limestone  rock  at  the 
lowest  point  of  the  shore  of  Iris  Island,  called  the 
Lower  Fishing  Rock. 

From  this  point  see  what  a  noble  view  we  have 
of  the  great  American  Fall.  See  the  bold  cataract, 
hew  it  fails  in  brilliant  folds  down  the  mighty- 
precipice  !  What  a  scene  for  an  atheist  to  look 
upon,  and  then  deny  the  existence  of  an  all  power- 
ful Creai«r  !  How  vast,  how  grand,  how  bewilder- 
ing to  tl;e  mind  !  Dwell  on  it,  stranger — try  to 
bring  Hh  magnitude  within  the  limits  of  your  com- 
prehenion  and  acknowledge  yourself  an  atom,  a 
mere  atom  in  nature,  for  that  you  are,  and  no 
more.  Then,  what  is  life  but  a  short  confused 
game  of  mortality! 

As  we  re-ascend  the  slopbg  bank  to  the  Centra] 
6* 


rjr 


64 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  C«lltr»l  Fall— Thg  Ciiv«  of  the  Wlndl. 


Fall,  we  have  before  us  that  great  curiosity,  known 

THE    CAVE    OF   THE    WINDS. 

Come,  let  us  enter.  But,  first,  cast  your  eyes 
upwards,  and  behold  the  impending  cliff  which 
overhangs  us  like  a  dark  destiny,  and  see  that  mag- 
nificent sheet  of  snowy  purity,  how  it  leaps  exultant 
from  the  topmost  rock,  and  flashes  down  into  mid 
air,  and  plunges  below  with  the  hoarse  voice  of 
thunder  ! 

Let  us  descend  these  rude  steps,  and  enter  the 
cavern.  Listtn — here  might  the  ancients  have  lo- 
cated Boreas,  for,  surely,  all  the  chained  storms 
are  fretting  out  their  madness  here  ! 

Now  we  are  at  the  bottom.  Let  us  retire  to  the 
back  of  the  cavern,  and  gaze  in  silence  on  the 
wondrous  scene.  This  awful  temple  of  Nature 
was  first  entered  in  1834,  by  Messrs.  White  t.nd 
Sims,  residents  of  the  village  above  us.  They 
came  in  a  boat  from  the  foot  of  Prospect  Island, 
and  entered  the  Cave  with  a  great  depj  of  difficulty. 
Some,  for  the  romance  of  the  thing,  enter  by  the 
same  way  now,  although  there  is  no  necessity  for 
so  doing. 
The  dimensions  of  the  Cave  are  one  hundred 


PTIVE    OUIDB 


-Tlw  Ciiv*  of  the  Wlndf. 


8  that  great  curiosity,  known 

OF   THE    WINDS. 

But,  first,  cast  your  eyes 
the  impending  cliff  which 
k  destiny,  and  see  that  mag- 
purity,  how  it  leaps  exultant 
and  flashes  down  into  mid 
r  with  the  hoarse  voice  of 

le  rude  steps,  and  enter  the 
might  the  ancients  have  lo- 
jly,  all  the  chained  storms 
ladness  here  ! 
ottom.  Let  us  retire  to  the 
id  gaze  in  silence  on  the 
s  awful  temple  of  Nature 
134,  by  Messrs.  White  t.nd 
village  above  us.  They 
he  foot  of  Prospect  Island, 
ith  a  great  depj  of  difficulty, 
of  the  thing,  enter  by  the 
;h  there  is  no  necessity  for 


le  Cave  are  one  hundred 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


65 


Cave  of  the  Wlidi— A  at  Pilata  for  Old  Nepttuw, 


feet  wide,  thirty  feet  deep,  and  one  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  feet  high.  The  bottom  is  about  thirty- 
five  feet  from  the  water's  edge,  and  is  composed 
of  those  fragments  which  time  and  the  wearing 
cataract  have  broken  and  let  fall  upon  the  spot 

It  is  curious  to  observe  the  spray  how  it  curls 
along  the  sloping  bottom  of  the  cavern,  then  roll- 
ing up  along  the  rocky  back,  seeks  the  shelving 
ceiling  where  it  breaks  into  distinct  portions,  and  by 
its  constant  action  on  the  air  gives  those  reverbera- 
tions which  have  ^ven  rise  to  its  title  of  "  the  Cave 
of  the  Windft"    A  fit  palace  for 


OLD   NBPTUNB    HIMSELF. 


!   ii. 


I 

I 


DBSORIFTITK   OUIDK 


Famg.  iiiidw  tlu  Amuicu  FaU-Boxl  ronnd  Irii  hUni. 


THE    AMERICAN    SHEET. 

ERE,  between  the  Central  and 
American  Falls,  there  is  a  vacant 
space,  immediately  at  the  foot  of  Proe- 
pect  Island  ;  it  is  roofed  by  the  tum- 
bling cascade.  Let  us  enter  and  rest  awhile.  Oh, 
what  a  view  have  we  here  1 

Come  now,  we  will  ramble  to  the  American  FaU, 
and  pfiss  under  it  as  far  as  you  dare.  There  is  no 
doubt  of  there  being  a  passage  clear  through,  but 
who  is  he  who  would  dare  to  pass  it?  How  over- 
whelming is  the  majesty  of  this  place— how  awe- 
ins  i)i,ring,  yet  sublimely  beautiful ! 

We  will  now  ascend  the  Biddle  Staircase,  and 
resume  our  dress.  Here  we  will  rest,  before  we 
take 

THE     TOUR    OF     IRIS     ISLAND. 

The  road  runs  entirely  round  the  Island,  and 
presents  many  attractions.  Here  you  perceive  the 
road  has  been  carried  away  by  the  constant  en- 
croachments of  the  ceaseless  flood. 


PTIVE    OUIDX 


CM  FaU— Band  iwmd  Irii  filwul. 


IC  AN    SHEET. 

)etween  the  Central  and 
Falls,  there  is  a  vacant 
lediately  at  the  foot  of  Pros- 
i  ;  it  is  roofed  by  the  tum- 
enter  and  rest  awhile.  Oh, 
lere  ! 

amble  to  the  American  FaU, 
•  as  you  dare.  There  is  no 
passage  clear  through,  but 
are  to  pass  it  ?  How  over- 
j  of  this  place — how  awe^ 
beautiful ! 

the  BiDDLE  Staircase,  and 
ire  we  will  rest,  before  we 

'     IRIS     ISLAND. 

ely  roiind  the  Island,  and 
IS.  Here  you  perceive  the 
away  by  the  constant  en- 
dless flood. 


IWUL^Mh, 


llTillKilliiUpiii 


^-mMtmmmaim 


«t 


^HMMitKiiriii  1liiiii||i»at- 


ilrait. 


fiee  tiMwe  trees  that  are  now  twiling  b  the  war 
'  ter.  They  were  onoe  flonrishing  on  iha  firm  bank. 
Look  from  this  p(Hat  at  the  mad  rapids,  as  they 
career  akmg  to  thor  awful  bouoduy. 

TlMBe  timber  wUeh  you  dMerre  amongst  the 
tpcb  t^^  moHtti  i0f  tko  &iitf0i^  the  iag^hip 
4  O^^B  Ban%,  wkidb  «u  captured  togethar 
ir^  Minaeil  other  tmhI^  k  ,4e  iatemai^|ii^i|f|i 

oC^<|y^;«]i|ie,  who!  '^miuoim  v^^jji^,% 

d^e  i|(||at7  mk  <i»  S^MMi,  Sep|iMii|«r  lb* 
l'(M*,181&''  ■         ■■■'':  ,,,^,,v-  .   „*,, 

^^^  jBNii*myin^m^^st&{TQrsi  BuflWoia 
t&n  aatwm  of  ISlt^^^i^ation  of  sending 
h^  <i*6r  the  m^i^^m^Mmim  of  BpecMm* 
assembfed,  but  mm^  ^tmif^mi.}!^  ^teppoisiMi, 


fiiirtheD«tt^ 
at  todai  ift  th« 
bietoame  a  wre<4|-i 
ttU)  T^%  tiioe,  ~ 
Urte^htib  ilnoB, 

ship-of-war. 


't-  iKe'oiMtti  lading  (M^.. St 


■liiiimMiii 


-,.«-^.»ki4«.^ 


i  mfi 


08 


DisoMPTiTi  ecmi 


Mm*  Maud— n«  mUttmn  OMmtt. 


MOSS   ISLAND. 

HIS  lovely  Island  is  ao  called  tcm 
itp  being  covered  vitli  a  lovely  velvet- 
like inqes.  It  presents  one  of  the 
sweettrt  qgottt  tbat  eye  can  rest  upon. 
Here  that  eccentrie  chMttoter  called  "  The  Hermit 
of  the  Falls,"  prc^KMteA  ta  bnfld  a  Cottage  m  the 
rustic  style,  with  a  drav^lNrui^  to  the  island,  by 
vhich  he  might  be  alone  when  he  pleased.  It  is 
a  pity  that  permisoon  was  not  given  for  the  erection 
of;:thi»  Itcvnutage,' as  it  would  have  added  very 
much  to  the  romanpe  of  the  Falls. 

The  islands  outside  Moss  Island  are  called  the 
Sstera  It  w«idd  be  a  vast  addition  to  the  interest 
of  this  locality,  if  these  beautiful  islands  were  united 
by  bridges. 

Between  Moss  and  Iris  Islands,  there  is  a  minia- 
ture cataract,  which  is  mexpressibly  beautiful  This 
the  Hermit  of  the  Falls  was  in  the  habit  of  uamg 
as  a  diower-bath,  and  certainly  a  more  delightful 


TiTX  ecmi 


ISLAND. 

ilj  Island  is  so  called  fincnn 
overed  with  a  lovely  velret- 
It  presenta  one  of  the 
[XMn  that  eye  can  rest  upon, 
tranter  oaUed  "  The  Hermit 
i  to  bofld  a  cottage  m  the 
nr^btif^Q  to  the  island,  by 
le  when  he  pleased.  It  is 
as  not  given  for  the  erection 
b  would  have  added  very 
f  the  Falls. 

tfoes  Island  are  called  the 
vast  addition  to  the  interest 
leautiful  islands  were  united 

is  Islands,  there  is  a  minia- 
kexpressibly  beautiful  This 
)  was  in  the  habit  of  usmg 
lertainly  a  more  delightful 


TO   mAOABA    FALLS. 


IIM«  of  Mb  Mmi    In.  Htnntt  of  Dm  Falli. 


one  could  not  have  been  enjoyed  by  any  prince  or 
potentate. 

We  are  now  at  the  head  of  Iris  Island.  Here, 
before  the  formation  of  the  bridge,  the  stranger 
was  coidpelled  to  gratify  his  curiosity  at  the  peril 
of  his  life,  by  navigating  to  this  point  between  the 
n^ids  on  either  side — a  daring  venture. 

See,  h«re  is  the  far-fiuned  ?> 


B0U8>    or    TBI    HKBlflT. 

Here  is  the  spot  where  resided  the  eccentric  and 
unfortunate  Francis  Abbott,  commonly  known  as 
the  HsRiirr  or  thb  Falls. 

He  was  a  young  Englishman,  who,  coming  to 
visit  the  Falls  in  1826,  became  so  overpowered  that 
he  could  not  withdrair  himself  from  the  romantio 
spot,  but  remained  week  after  week,  and  month 
aiter  month,  until  at  last  his  love  of  the  wild  scene 
became  a  mono  mania,  and  he  shunned  all  society, 
savi  that  of  nature.     He  was  learned,  highly  ao- 


s 


iMiii 


■■W!'T"«>-WBiWBiimj|igiiliJUI  IKJUH  ; 


A'li 


Itlbtt. 


H''<f4i  »   »*  ^.^m       r'  ** 


»,<»      r.  n 


''  ^  ^  H^^' 

#';^A  ^^upp., 

^ 

■^'»-   *;Sr4.^^  ,♦■  41  .  i , 

, 

&-' 

'..,1 

mJm 

..'lU.>,,,-.'.L.--^^.,.y--. 


I 


TO   NIAGARA   FAIXS. 


71 


The  Gram -Bridge  at  Bath  l>Und. 


THE    GRAVES. 

EAR  this  spot  on  an  elevated  sand- 
bank some  mounds  existed,  which,  on 
examination,  proved  to  be  graves.  Hu- 
man remains  were  discovered  in  them ; 
each  mound  containing  a  body  in  a  sitting  position. 
None  of  the  Indian  tribes  now  in  existence  can 
account  for  these  remains,  althougli  it  is  highly 
probable  that  they  were  of  some  of  the  aboriginal 
trib.^s,  who  here  worshiped  the  Great  Spirit  within 
the  sound  of  his  almighty  voice,  tnit  up  from  the 
fathomless  depths  of  the  waters- 

We  have  now  gained  tlie  bridge  which  leads  to 
Bath  Island. 


DSSORIPTIVB    GUIDE 


P.iinl  View— Till-  ferry.stiiin. 


THE    CANADA    SIDE. 

I A  V  I N  G  now  seen  all  that  is  worthy 
of  notice  on  the  *  aerican,  let  us  cross 
t<i  the  British  si.    o. 
Here  is  Po'  it  A  ie^      -oti  whence 
we  took  our  first  observau.  ■  of      c  Falls ;  and 
here  close  m  hand  is  thf  '   ry.,  -fra.     Let  us  step 
into  the  cars,  which  an  overs.      vyrter-whee!  when 
loosened,  will  cause  to   lesce.id,  and  at  the  same 
time  bring  up  the  retu         rs    .,  the  next  track  to 
ours.     Tliis  water-wheel .,  turned  by  a  branch  of 
the  cataract  itself.     In  the  spring  of   1860,  the 
rocks  here  gine  way  and  iiupedtd  the  coui-se  of 
this  niilway  for  ii  time. 

Some  persons  widk  up  these  stairs  for  exercise 
or  amus.'ment  ;  but,  as  there  are  some  700  steps, 
the  operation  is  very  fatiguing.  There  is  no  addi' 
tional  charge  made  for  desc(!nding  in  the  cars  to 
those  who  intend  to  crass  the  ferry  ;  all  is  paid 
for  at  the  head  of  the  stflirs. 
At  the  bottom  of  this  railway  is  a  platform,  and 


'm 


RIPTIVE    GUIDE 


lew— Till-  ferry.jtnin. 


NAD  A    SIDE. 

G  now  seen  all  that  is  worthy 
!  on  the  *  "lerican,  let  us  cross 
ritlsh  Si.    0. 

is  Po-  )t  Mtiv  .-om  whence 
serva  .  of  ^  Falls  ;  and 
thf  '  "v-.  irs.  Let  us  step 
n  overs :  vfrter-whee!  when 
\o  lesceud,  and  at  the  same 
iJ  rfl  .1  the  next  track  to 
sel  ia  turned  by  a  branch  of 
[n  the  spring  of  1860,  the 
md  impeded  the  course  of 

up  these  stairs  for  exercise 
18  there  are  some  700  steps, 
atiguing.  There  is  no  addi- 
r  desc(!nding  in  the  cars  to 
rass  the  ferry  ;  all  is  paid 
stairs, 
is  railway  is  a  platform,  and 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


73 


Tke  fcrry-boai—'nie  bmwny  boatiBlw. 


an  easy  flight  of  stairs,  to  the  right  of  which  brings 
you  at  once  into  the  presence  of  the  Falls. 

This  view  is  very  grand.  But,  muffle  yourself 
up,  and  enter  the  ferry-boat,  that  we  may  cross  to 
the  Canada  side.  There  is  no  view  more  compre- 
hensive or  grander  than  the 


VIEW     FROM     THE     FERRY 

Over  to  the  other  side,  is  but  a  distanct  ot  a 
little  over  four  hundred  yards,  in  a  straight  line. 
But,  to  humor  the  current,  this  braAvny  boatman 
of  ours  pulls  up  towards  tlie  Falls,  and  is  by  it 
borne  back  towards  his  landing,  which  he  has  to 
pull  hard  for,  lesi  '  e  be  carried  past  There  has 
been  no  accident  1  .  record  at  this  apparently  dan- 
gerous passage,  within  the  memory  of  any  one 
living. 


mKlfimstsaimmB 


tUMfH 


74 


DESCRIPTIVK    UUIDE 


Cruuing  Its  riT«r-Vi«w  tnm  the  Cnnad*  lide. 


Now  new  the  whole  panorama  of  the  Falls. 
Can  any  thing  equal  that?  Look  above,  around, 
and  beneath  you.  How  awful  is  the  might  of  that 
Supreme  Being  whose  work  this  is. 

The  boat  begins  to  toss,  but  don't  be  alarmed,  it 
is  the  agitation  of  the  current,  and  the  skill  of  our 
experienced  boatman  will  soon  bear  us  into  still 
water. 

Gaze  on  that  amphitheatre  of  Cataracts,  and 
listen  to  their  roar.  ExtensiTO  as  they  seem,  we 
have  but  a  perspective  view  of  them— the  beau- 
tiful Horse-shoe  being  a  considerable  distance 
from  us. 

Now  we  are  nearing  the  Province  of  Queen 
Victoria,  where  a  circuitous  road  leads  to  the  lofty 
height  above. 

As  we  ascend,  let  us  pause  at  intervals,  and  look 
back  upon  the  rushing  Niagara,  which  we  liave 
just  crossed,  and  as  we  ascend  still  l)i<,flicr,  sun]  the 
road  winds,  we  behold  the  glorious  Vidh  in  ail  tl>,ir  ! 
sublimity.  j 

But  let  us  advance  up  this  easy-ascendiiii,^  toad,  ' 
for  the  formation  of  which    we   have  t(j"tliank 
Messrs.  Street  and  Clarke,  to  whom,  as  a  com- 
pensation, the  Canadian  Government  granted  the 


wrm'-~- 


TIVK    UUIDE 


View  from  tlie  Cnuadn  tide. 


e  panorama  of  the  Falls, 
lat?  Look  above,  around, 
fr  awful  is  the  might  of  that 
work  this  is. 

MS,  but  don't  be  alarmed,  it 
urrent,  and  the  skill  of  our 
ill  soon  bear  us  into  still 

[theatre  of  Cataracts,  and 
ixtenfiive  as  they  seem,  we 
view  of  them — the  beau- 
[  a  considerable    distance 

f  the  Province  of  Queen 
ous  road  leads  to  the  lofty 

jause  at  intervals,  and  look 

Niagara,  which  we   have 

scend  still  higher,  ;i!)(!  the 

le glorious ThIIs in  ail  tl;-,ir 

this  easy-ascendiiig  road, 
hich  we  have  t(j  tliank 
RKE,  to  whom,  as  a  com- 
Govemment  granted  the 


^WPfTfl"""*** 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


View  from  Table  Rock. 


76 


sole  right  to  the  feny  for  twenty-one  years,  from 
the  completion  of  the  road  in  1827. 

Now,  that  we  have  reached  the  upper  world 
again,  let  us  pro'^eed  towards  the  Falls  and  gaze  on 
the  view  from  Table  Rock. 


7* 


it 


TO    NIAGARA    FALIS. 


77 


Table  Rock,  leu  in  extent  than  formerly. 


VIEW  FROM  TABLE  ROCK. 

lAGARAFALLS  here  stretches 
out  before  us  in  matchless  might  and 
grandeur. 

This  Rock,  wliich  derives  its  name 
from  its  flat  surface,  stretching  over  the  chasm 
like  the  raised  leaf  of  a  table,  is  on  the  same  level 
with  the  Falls,  and  belongs  to  the  great  ledge  over 
which  the  Horseshoe  fallc. 

Cautiously  approach  the  edge,  and  look  down. 
Is  it  not  thrilling  !  Look  not  long,  lest  your  head 
grow  dizzy. 

Table  Rock  was  of  much  greater  extent  than  it 
is  at  present  Very  large  portions  have  from  time 
to  time  fallen  away.  In  the  year  1818,  a  piece 
nearly  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  long,  and  forty 
feet  wide,  broke  away  at  midnight,  arousing  and 
terrifying  the  inhabitants  for  miles  round,  with  the 
mighty  crash,  which  they  conceived  to  be  an  earth- 
quake. In  1828,  and  the  following  year,  other 
portions  came  away,  and  from  existing  appearances. 


J"  m  KBffff^mit^nif^gffifm 


'<  vi^/iidMl^iKiai  ^'^  >  w< 


78 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


__ 


Stoircase  under  the  rock— Tiible  Rook  (mm  b 


it  is  evident  that  another  crash  may  soon  be  ex- 
pected. Let  us  now  return  to  the  15;  ircase  that 
leads  under  the  rock. 

Here  we  will  procure  the  apparel  necessary  to 
protect  us  from  tiie  effects  of  a  wetting,  which  T\e 
may  surely  expect 

These  spiral  stairs  were  erected  by  a  Mr.  For- 
syth, several  years  ago,  and  afford  a  great  facility 
for  viewing  one  of  the  most  astounding  sights  that 
can  be  presented  to  the  mind  of  man,  uamely: 

TABLE  ROCK  FROM  BELOW 

Here  is  a  temple  of  the  living  God  !  Here  is 
the  sanctuary  of  His  awful  greatness.  Here  the 
incense  of  air  and  water,  risbg  in  endless  mist  t» 
heaven,  amid  the  humid  thunder  which  roars  and 
roars  eternally. 

Where  may  the  ambitious,  the  prond,  and  the 
arrogant  so  perfectly  judge  of  their  own  excessive 
httlcness,  as  in  the  giant  presence  of  this  sacred 
shrine  ? 

Come,  let  us  press  on  our  way  beliind  the  sheet. 
The  spray  beats  hard  in  our  faces,  and  wich  thick 
mist  almost  prevents  our  progress.  But,  remember 
thousands  have  pursued  this  courae  before  us,  and 
why  not  we  ? 


[PTIVK    GUIDE 


rock— Tiible  Rook  from  b.O  .n. 

her  crash  may  soon  be  ex- 
•eturn  to  the  15;  ircase  that 

re  the  apparel  necessary  to 
'octs  of  a  wetting,  which  v,e 

ere  erected  by  a  Mr.  For- 
,  and  afford  a  great  facility 
most  astounding  sights  that 
»e  mind  of  man,  uamely : 

FROM     BKLOW 

the  living  God  !  Here  is 
wful  greatness.  Here  the 
r,  rising  in  endless  mist  to 
1  thunder  which  roars  and 

)itious,  the  proud,  and  the 
idgc  of  their  own  excessive 
It  presence  of  this  sacred 

our  way  belxind  the  sheet. 
1  our  faces,  and  wich  thick 
progress.  But,  remember 
this  course  before  us,  and 


iV'l^itiWiTn  >;■,-, 


TO   KIAOARA   FALLS. 


79 


ThB  Ledg*— Th«  Rock— Th«  Onveni. 


Here  we  halt  The  clouds  of  driving  mists  are 
thinner.  Let  us  look  around.  The  spot  on  which 
you  stand,  is  but  a  ledge  some  three  feet  wide. 
The  Rock  is  ninety  feet  above  our  heads,  and  be- 
neath our  feet,  it  is  seventy  feet  down  to  the  boiling 
cauldron  where  the  tumbling  waters  fall. 

See  that  viist  cavern,  which,  like  some  mysterious 
recess  of  Nature,  stretches  out  in  seeming  safety 
before  .us.  We  dai-e  not  venture  more  than  a  few 
feet  towards  it,  and  that  at  the  extreme  peril  of  our 
Uvea 

You  have  now  seen  Termination  Rock.  Let  us 
return  and  change  our  wet  clothes — register  your 
name,  tiike  a  certilicate  of  your  vmt  to  tliia  won- 
derful spot,  rest,  view  the  curiosities  of  the 
Museum,  and  return  to  the  feriy. 

Again  we  view  from  the  tossed  boat,  the  awing 
grandeur  of  the  scene,  and,  with  the  detiuls  fresh 
upon  our  mind,  what  can  be  more  thrilling  than  the 
great  frontispiece  before  us  ? 

Now  we  are  landed  once  again  on  the  soil  of  the 
United  States.  We  ascend  th<;  railway,  and  are 
once  more  in  the  village  of  Niagara  Falls. 


( 


I 


WMMIW 


80 


DGSCKIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Tho  Piibli.:  Carden— Till)  Koad-wu)  u>  the  River. 


SCENES    IN    THE    VICINITY 
OF    THE    FALLS. 

0  U  have  been  round,  and  we  may 
I  say,  through  the  Falls,  as  far  as  prac- 
1  ticable.    Let  us  now  view  the  wonders 
and  beauties  of  its  vicinity. 
As  we  advance  a  few  rods,  we  arrive  at 

THE     PUBLIC     aARDBN. 

Here  is  a  beautiful  summer-house  on  tho  brow 
of  the  precipice,  from  whence  we  view  the  Foils 
and  the  river  in  a  magnificent  light  This  sum- 
mer-house occupies  the  site  of  thtj  hut  erected  by 
Francis  Abbott,  the  Hermit  of  the  Falls,  whase 
historj'  we  have  before  adverted  to,  and  who  re- 
sided in  it  for  manv  years. 

We  now  proceed  some  eighty  rods  further,  and 
come  to 

THE    ROAD-WAT    TO    THE    RIVER. 

This  carriage-way  was  projected  some  36  years 
ago  ;  but;  for  some  reason  or  other  was  discon- 


PTIVE    GUIDK 


-Tliti  Hoad-wu)  tu  the  River. 


THE    VICINITY 
E    FALLS. 

!  been  round,  and  we  may 
gh  the  Falls,  as  far  as  prac- 
Let  us  now  view  the  wonders 
ies  of  its  vicinity. 
w  rods,  we  arrive  at 

LIO     OAKDBN. 

summer-house  on  the  brow 
whence  we  view  the  Foils 
ignificent  light  This  sum- 
)  site  of  thtj  hut  erected  by 
Hermit  of  the  Falls,  whase 
e  adverted  to,  and  who  re- 
ars, 
me  eighty  rods  further,  and 

LT    TO    THE    RIVER. 

as  projected  some  36  years 
3a8on  or  other  was  discon- 


'')mis^mim> 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


81 


Tie  Indian  Udder— Point  View. 


ttuued.  In  1836,  Mr.  Ratiibpn  recommenced  it  ; 
but,  the  imprisonment  of  that  active  man  for  for- 
gery put  a  second  stop  to  it 

Let  us  go  down  and  take  a  trip  up  to  the  foot 
of  the  Falls  on  tills  little  steamer,  appropriately 
named  the  Maid  of  the  Mist.  It  is  an  excursion 
which  amply  repays  the  visitor,  and  is  perfectly 
safe. 

Here  is  the 

INDIAN     LADDER. 

This,  which  you  perceive  to  be  no  more  than  a 
large  cedar  tree,  resting  against  the  rock,  with  the 
limbs  and  a  few  notches  answering  for  rounds,  was 
once  the  only  means  of  descending  to  the  bottom 
of  the  bank— a  dangerous  operation,  truly,  and  one 
which  is  never  ventured  on.  The  last  daring  indi- 
vidual, who  trusted  to  it,  being  a  daring  hunter, 
named  Bbooks,  who,  sovei-al  years  ago,  went  down 
in  pursuit  of  game,  and  fell  before  he  reached  the 
bottom,  receiving  some  severe  contusions. 

Here  is  I 

POINT     VIEW. 

From  this,  we  catch  a  beautiful  distinct  view  of 


82 


DESOBIFTITB   OUIDK 


Bcllevue— Th«  Hhieral  Bprinf. 


the  chasm,  river,  and  Falls,  and  here  has  grown  up, 
like  magic,  a  charming  little  hamlet  called 


BELLE  V  U  E. 


Here  we  are,  one  mile  and  a  ha}{  below  the 
Falls — commanding  an  excellent  view  of  that 
charm  of  natui-e.  You  see  that  this  little  locality 
is  already  well  provided  with  places  of  entertain- 
ment, and  has  a  grist  mill,  the  shaft  of  the  wheel 
of  which  is  200  feet  in  perpendicular  length.  The 
mill  and  its  machinery  being  on  the  top  of  the 
bank,  whilst  the  wheel  which  works  it,  is  turned  by 
the  rapid  Niagara  river  that  runs  past,  two  hun- 
dred feet  beneath. 

Here  is  the  celebrated 


MINERAL     SPHINO, 


which  wells  up  between  the  rocks,  and  finds  a  rest- 
ing-place in  a  stone  basin.     It       trongly  sulphur- 


^ip--  "»¥fFaK>ifflp;sBEr 


IPTITB   ODIDK 


Tli«  Mineral  6priii(. 


Falls,  and  here  has  grown  up, 
g  little  hamlet  called 

LLE  V  u  E. 

mile  and  a  ha\f  below  the 
an  excellent  view  of  that 
3u  see  that  this  little  locality 
ed  with  places  of  entertain- 
mill,  the  shaft  of  the  wheel 
I  perpendicular  length.  The 
ry  b(5ing  on  the  top  of  the 
I  which  works  it,  is  turned  by 
er  that  runs  past,  two  hun- 
ted 


"^ 


A  L     8  F  RI  NO, 

jn  the  rocks,  and  finds  a  rest- 
isin.     It       trongly  sulphur- 


TO   NIAOARA   FALLS. 


88 


Btupanaion  Brid^ 


ous,  and  contains  lime  and  magnesia.  This  chaste 
little  temple  was  designed  and  erected  by  Mr. 
Bathbdn. 

Turn  ,we  now  to  the  mighty  attraction  which 
gave  a  location  arfd  a  name  to  Bellevue.  One 
of  the  wonders  of  this  age  of  wonders.  What 
visitor  could  say,  he  saw  the  Falls,  but  not 

THESDBPEHSIOir    BRIDGE? 

This  truly  fairy-like  work  was  commenced  in 
February,  1849,  under  the  suprintendence  of 
Charles  EUet,  Jr.,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia,  an  En- 
gineer of  good  previous  reputation,  and  who,  m 
this  work,  added  much  to  his  fame. 

The  bridge  was  contracted  to  be  buili;  to  the 
"  Niagara  Falls  Suspension  Bridge  Comp/Mi j,"  on 
the  Canada  side,  and  "  The  Niagara  Falls  Lit*.  ■  • 
national  Bridge  Company,"  on  the  American  side 
conjointly  ;  a  bill  for  the  purpose  being  pj^ssed 
by  the  LegiRlatiffe  of  each  country. 

The  p  anor  in  which  the  first  line  of  connection 
was  iiitr-isd,  was  at  once  aimple,  yet  ingenious.  A 
kite  Wis  procured,  'vo  iiie  tail  of  which  was  a  string, 
and  by  flying  this  on  the  one  side,  and  letting  it  out 
^mt!l  a  wab  over  the  other  side,  tSie  gorge  was 
I  spani\<'(l  by  the  string,  by  which  a  cord  was  drawii 

I ? 


~*mm 


mmmw 


84 


DE80RIFTIV1E    GUIDE 


AwAil  eatastrophe. 


across,  and  by  means  of  this  cord,  a  rope  of  suffi- 
cient strength  to  draw  a  cable,  which  latter,  being 
well  secured  on  both  sides,  was  the  means  of  transit 
for  the  first  wire-cable  of  36  strands,  No.  10 
wire,  which  was  1160  feet  in  length.  Towers  had 
now  been  erected  on  each  bank,  800  feet  apart,  by 
which  this  wire-cable  was  secured,  and  on  the  1.3th 
of  March,  just  one  month  from  the  commencement, 
Mr.  Ellkt  crossed  in  an  iron  basket,  suspended 
from  the  cable.  This  conveyance  was  used  con- 
stantly by  the  workmen  in  constructing  the  bridge. 
And  even  many  persons  paid  for  the  novelty  of  a 
trip  across  in  this  frail  track. 

A  foot-bridge,  three  feet  in  width,  was  soon  con- 
structed, and  over  'V;  •«  great  number  of  pereons 
pajssed,  each  paym^  "  .^uts  to  the  contractor.  A 
similar  foot-bridge  was  now  irmed  parallel  to  this, 
and  the  basket-cable  in  the  middle. 

A  terrific  scene  occurred  just  about  this  time. 
Whilst  the  workmen  were  busy  at  the  second  foot- 
bridge, which  was  constructed  about  250  feet  from 
the  American  side,  and  about  150  from  the  British, 
a  tornado  from  the  a.  w.,  struck  it,  turning  it  quite 
over.  Six  men  were  at  work  upon  the  flooring  of 
the  bridge  at  this  awful  moment,  two  of  whom  in 
a  most  unaccountable  manner  made  their  way  to 


lIPTrVK  oriDE 


^  CAtactrophe. 


I  of  this  cord,  a  rope  of  suflB- 
r  a  cable,  which  latter,  being 
ddes,  was  the  means  of  transit 
ible  of  36  strands,  No.  10 
I  feet  in  length.  Towers  had 
each  bank,  800  feet  apart,  by 
was  secured,  and  on  the  13th 
nth  from  the  commencement, 
I  an  iron  basket,  suspended 

conveyance  was  used  con- 
jn  in  constructing  the  bridge. 
ins  paid  for  the  novelty  of  a 

track. 

!  feet  in  width,  was  soon  con- 
■  "  great  number  of  persons 
=  ^5iits  to  the  contractor.  A 
I  now  ormed  parallel  to  thi^ 
n  the  middle. 

urred  just  about  this  time, 
rere  busy  at  the  second  foot- 
Jtructed  about  260  feet  from 
I  about  150  from  the  British, 
v.,  struck  it,  turning  it  quite 
it  work  upon  the  flooring  of 
1  moment,  two  of  whom  in 
manner  made  their  way  to 


TO  NIAOABA   FALLS. 


85 


Workmen  rflieaed. 


the  shore  upon  fragments  of  boards.  The  uniin- 
ished  structure  was  torn  and  wafted  backwards  and 
forwards  like  the  broken  web  of  a  spider,  and  four 
helpless  human  beings,  200  feet  from  the  shore, 
supported  by  two  strands  of  No.  10  wire,  were  in 
constant  expectation  of  a  headlong  fall  and  plunge 
into  the  rapids  below  I  Oh,  who  can  fathom  those 
men's  thoughts  just  then  ?  But  the  tby  thread 
which  held  them  to  existence,  proved  strong  enough 
to  outldst  the  gale.  On  tlie  tu'st  cessation  of  the 
tornado's  force,  a  brave  fellow- workman  kh  f 
the  iron  basket,  and  with  a  ladder  proceeded  ainid 
the  pelting  of  the  furious  rain  to  save  the  sufferers. 
He  reached  the  wreck  ;  he  placed  his  ladder  in 
communication  with  it,  and  Aie  basket  thus  afford- 
ing a  means  by  which  ali  were  brought  back  safe 
to  terra-firma,  uninjured  in  person,  but  well  nigh 
scared  to  death. 

On  the  26th  of  July  following,  Mr.  Eixet  drove 
a  span  of  horses  and  a  heavy  carriage  over  and 
back,  accompanied  by  his  lady. 

A  disagreement,  which  had  for  some  time  ex- 
isted between  the  directors  and  Mr.  Ellet,  now 
ccme  to  an  open  rupture,  and  the  work  was  dis- 
continued for  some  time. 

The  hndge,  which  we  see,  is  not  the  atructure 


.'S-' 


86 


DESORIPTIVB    OUIDB 


Heigkt  of  tha  Bridge. 


originally  intended  This  being  merely  prepara- 
tory to  the  great  structure,  which  was  to  have  been 
suspended  from  stone  towers,  70  feet  high,  and 
which  would  have  been  10  feet  higher  than  the 
present  bridge,  and  wholly  independent  of  it 

The  present  bridge  was  at  first  economically 
formed  of  very  slight  materials,  it  not  being  ex- 
pected to  last  longer  than,  until  the  great  bridge 
was  constructed,  al^ut  a  year  and  a  half.  It  has, 
however,  been  strengthened  materially,  and  is  now 
capable  of  sustaining  260  tons,  and  is  in  use  as  a 
thoroughfare,  unshaken  by  the  greatest  pressure. 
The  floor  of  the  bridge  is  230  feet  above  the 
river,  and  the  depth  of  the  river  immediately  un- 
der the  bridge  is  250  feet 

THE     WHIRLPOOI.. 

From  the  Suspension  Bridge  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Whirlpool  Rapids,  is  about  a  hundred 
roda;  and  the  Wliirlpool  itself  is  about  three  mUes 
from  the  Falls,  and  one  hundred  rods  from  the 
main  rosul.  A  ta\i-ra  occupies  the  iiiterveiiino- 
space,  the  garden  of  which  is  neatly  laid  out,  and 
steps  are  to  be  found  here,  which  lead  tx>  the  river. 
A  small  fee  is  required  of  the  stranger  for  admis- 
sion. 


rarVH    OTTIDB 


of  the  Brfd^, 


Tiis  being  merely  prepara- 
ure,  which  was  to  have  been 

towers,  70  feet  high,  and 
n  10  feet  higher  than  the 
lolIy  independent  of  it 

was  at  first  economically 
materials,  it  not  being  ex- 
than,  until  the  great  bridge 
a  year  and  a  hal£  It  has, 
ened  materially,  and  is  now 
!60  tons,  and  is  in  use  as  a 

by  the  greatest  pressure. 
%e  is  230  feet  above  the 
the  river  immediately  un- 
et 

IIRLPOOI,. 

Bridge  to  the  commencc- 
Elapids,  is  about  a  hundred 
I  itself  ia  about  three  miles 
5  hundred  rods  from  the 

occupies  the  iiiterveiiing 
ich  is  neatly  laid  out,  and 
re,  which  lead  t/>  the  river, 
of  the  stranger  for  admis- 


TO   NIAGARA   PALLS. 


87 


'ITm  WWrlpool, 


On  the  American  CliflF  is  a  charming  summer- 
house,  designed  by  Mr.  Rathbon. 

Look  down  into  the  circular  basin,  bounded  by 
giant  cliffs,  and  see  the  boiling  turmoil  of  waters 
surging  and  tossing  in  this  greenwood  embowered 
caldron.  No  living  thing  can  struggle  with  this 
angry  wliirlpool.  Destruction  surely  awaits  all  that 
falls  withic  its  reach. 

Let  us  go  down  these  rude  steps  and  have  a 
closer  view  of  it ;  for  the  little  sticks,  which  we  see 
whirled  around,  believe  me,  are  in  truth,  large 
timbers. 

Now,  that  we  are  at  the  base  of  the  cliff,  and 
on  these  level  rocks,  let  us  note  the  mad  excite- 
ment of  those  raging  waters. 

Come  round  now  to  the  right  and  behold  the 
outlet  of  the  whirlpool 

Those  giant  cliffs  which  rise  three  hundred  feet 
and  are  not  tliirty  rods  apart,  wall  in  the  recreating 
waters  and  confine  their  wild  impetuous  rush,  so  that 
their  force  raises  them  in  the  middle,  as  they 
plunge  some  dozen  feet  into  the  air,  in  the  very 
recklessness  of  fury. 

There  is  a  better  view  of  the  whirlpool  from  the 
Canada  cliff!     The  rapids,  as  they  enter,  are  almost 

8* 


-•issSlfi 


88 


DE8CRIPTIVB    QUIDS. 


Giant  CtiS 


in  front  of  you,  and  below  you  ia  the  outlet  of 
the  wlurlpool  on  the  Canada  side. 

Unlike  the  Falls,  there  is  nothing  to  woo  or  win 
the  senses  about  the  whirlpool.  It  rather  awes 
and  shocks  the  mind  with  its  savage  furt^. 

We  will  now  wander  on  to  view 


devil'8  hole  from  bklow 

This  is  a  deep,  dark  cave,  or  chasm,  in  the  rocky 
bank-a  gloomy  spot ;  the  sad  history  connected 


TIVH    QUIDS. 


nt  Cliff. 


elow  you  is  the  outlet  of 

nada  side. 

e  is  nothing  to  woo  or  win 

i^hirlpool.    It  rather  awes 

th  its  savage  fur/. 

on  to  view 


FROM    BELOW 


ve,  or  chasm,  in  the  rocky 
16  sad  history  connected 


TO    NIAQABA    FALLS. 


89 


IUpid««ad  oQlistof  Whirtpool— Miiuncre  of  BltHidy  Ron. 


with  which  gives  it  a  dismal  interest  in  the  mind 
of  the  visitor.  A  perpendiculs''  massy  cliff  rises 
above  this  demon-titled  cavity,  and  a  narrow  stream 
pours  down  the  cliff  to  the  dark  rocks  below  and 
hurries  onward  to  the  rapid  river. 

This  gloomy  rock-bound,  forest-hidden  cavern 
has  never  felt  the  influence  of  one  solitary  ray  of 
light ;  and  from  its  dark  thrilling  depth,  it  probably 
derives  its  most  appropriate  name.  There  is  another 
claim  whicli  it  possesses,  and  which  likewise  gave 
name  to  that  little  stream,  which  may  be  found  in 
the  thrilling  nerative  of 

THB   HASSAORE    OF    BLOODT   BUN. 

In  the  year  1769,  when  the  British  had  just 
made  good  their  stand,  by  the  possession  of  Forti 
Niagara  and  Schlosser — the  French  stil)  hovering 
round  them,  having  in  pay  the  Seneca  Indians, 
who  were  then  a  very  powerful  tribe — a  large  sup- 
ply of  provisions  was  forwarded  from  Fort  Niagara 
to  Fort  Schlosser,  guarded  by  a  body  of  one  hun- 
dred regulars.  The  Chief  of  the  Senecas,  anxious 
to  show  his  ardor  in  the  cause  of  his  pay-masters, 
formed  an  ambuscade  of  liis  best  warriors,  s»^veral 
hundred  strong.  This  was  the  spot  chosen  ;  it  being 
at  that  day  so  thickly  overgrown  with  bushes,  that 


ji  -'^^nas 


i 


90 


DKSORIPTIVE    GUIDE 


luiliiui  smbuarado. 


it  afforded  an  admirable  place  for  the  execution  of 
the  horrid  project  The  wily  Indian  formed  his 
line  along  the  hill  and  around  the  plain  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  conipleteh- surround  his  victims,  when 
they  should  have  psissed  a  certain  line. 

The  day  was  sultry,  and  the  doomed  convoy  not 
expecting  any  danger  near,  scattered,  and  loitered, 
and  dragged  on  their  weary  way,  until  they  came 
to  the  Devil's  Hole,  when,  in  gratification  of  their 
wondering  curiosity,  they  sat  or  lay  down  around 
the  margin  of  the  fearful  precipice.  Their  fancied 
security  was  now  broken  in  upon  by  a  tremendous 
volley  of  lire-arms,  accompanied  by  the  yells  of 
their  savage  enemies,  who  now  rushed  from  their 
cover,  and  giving  their  unhappy  victims  no  time  for 
consideration,  tomahawked  and  knifed  them  on  the 
spot  The  whole  convoy  of  wagons,  horses, 
soldiers  and  drivers  were  hurled  over  the  preci- 
pice, and  dashed  to  pieces  on  the  rocks  below! 
whilst  the  little  stream  swelled  to  a  torrent,  purple 
red  with  human  gore. 

Of  all  that  gallant,  heedless  convoy,  but  two 
escaped  U)  tell  the  story  of  its  fate  ;  the  dne  a 
Mr.  Stedman,  and  the  other  a  private  soldier,  who 
was  forced  over  the  precipice,  but  had  the  good 
fortune  in  falling,  to  be  caught  on  the  limb  of  a 


J 


IPTIVE    GUIDE 


iiui  smbuaradc. 


ih  place  for  the  execution  of 
The  wily  Indian  fonned  his 
;  around  the  plain  in  such  a 
I3- surround  his  victims,  when 
ied  a  certain  line. 

and  the  doomed  convoy  not 
near,  scattered,  and  loitered, 
weary  way,  until  they  came 
hen,  in  gratification  of  their 
ley  sat  or  lay  down  around 
ful  precipice.  Their  fancied 
;en  in  upon  by  a  tremendous 
ccompanied  by  the  yells  of 
who  now  rushed  from  their 

unhappy  victims  no  time  for 
rked  and  knifed  them  on  the 
onvoy  of  wagons,  horses, 
rere  hurled  over  the  preci- 
rieces  on  the  rocks  below! 

swelled  to  a  torrent,  purple 

heedless  convoy,  but  two 
Dry  of  its  fate  ;  the  One  a 
other  a  private  soldier,  who 
recipice,  but  had  the  good 
e  caught  on  the  limb  of  a 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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,0        %6         M^  ^ 


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— 

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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  W6ST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


6^ 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


91 


Em«p«  of  Mi.  8t«dnuui. 


tree  by  the  belt.  Mr.  Stedman  dashed  hLs  horse 
through  the  Indian  lines,  and  escaped,  amid  a  storm 
of  bullets,  to  Fort  Schlosser,  with  his  clothes  com- 
pletely riddled.  The  soldier  arrived  in  safety,  un- 
der cover  of  the  night,  at  Fort  Niagara. 

Some  years  ago,  bonos,  broken  wheels,  and  other 
mementos  of  this  cruel  assault  were  found  down 
in  the  chasm  and  on  the  rocks,  but  they  have  long 
Mnce  been  lost  in  the  gulf. 


OtTlKT    OF  THK   WHIRLPOOL,  ON  THE   CANADA  SEDK. 


"I 


f^y^fimj'i^,    .     jMwij.-;.ny.f^yMmun 


92 


DESCRIPnVK    GUIDE 


AciidUisttha  r>Ui. 


ACCIDENTS  WHICH   HAVE   OCCURRED 
AT  THE   FALLS. 

N  Saturday,  the  13th  of  July,  1860,  as 
a  boy,  ten  years  old,  was  rowing  his 
father  over  to  their  home  on  Grand 
Island,  the  father  being  so  very  drunk 
as  not  to  be  able  to  assist  any  more  than  to  steer 
the  canoe,  the  wind,  wliich  was  very  sti-ong  off 
shore,  so  frustrated  the  efforts  of  his  liny  arm, 
that  the  canoe  in  spite  of  him,  got  into  the  current 
and  finally  into  the  rapids,  witliin  a  very  few  rods 
of  the  Fails  I  On  went  the  frail  shell,  careering 
and  plunging  as  the  mad  waters  chose.  Still  the 
gallant  little  oarsman  mmntained  his  struggle 
with  the  raging  billows,  and  actually  got  the  canoe 
by  his  persevering  manoevring  so  close  to  Iris  Is- 
land, as  to  have  her  driven  by  a  providential  wave 
in  between  the  httle  islands,  called  the  Sisters. 
Here  the  father  and  his  dauntless  boy  were  in  still 
greater  danger  for  an  instant ;  for,  there  is  a  fall 


■mtiiiMilwth'Mitiii 


UPTIVS    GUIDE 


idnb  M  the  FiUi. 


ICH   HAVE    OCCURRED 
rHE   FALLS. 

-day,  the  13th  of  July,  1850,  as 
ten  years  old,  was  rowing  his 
iver  to  their  home  on  Orand 
the  father  being  so  very  drank 
assist  any  more  than  to  steer 
,  wliich  was  very  sti-ong  off 
the  efforts  of  his  liny  arm, 
te  of  him,  got  into  the  current 
rapids,  witliin  a  very  few  rods 
rent  the  frail  shell,  careering 
mad  waters  chose.  Still  the 
an  mmntained  his  struggle 
ws,  and  actually  got  the  canoe 
nanoevring  so  close  to  Iris  Is- 
driven  by  a  providential  wave 
!e  islands,  called  the  Sisters, 
his  dauntless  boy  were  in  still 
n  instant ;  for,  there  is  a  fall 


,» ,»  w.,a  -.,„.>.....JI-..i.^^.^l!&).j,^^^^ 


] 


TO  mAOAIU  FAIXS. 


93 


Aoddmla  *t  tht  Falta. 


between  the  two  islands,  over  which  had  they  gone, 
no  earthly  power  could  have  withheld  their  final 
passage  to  the  terrific  precipice,  which  forms  the 
Horse-shoe  Fall !  But  the  sudden  dash  of  a  wave 
capsized  the  canoe,  and  left  the  two  struggling  in 
the  water.  Being  near  a  rock,  and  shallow,  the  boy 
lost  no  time,  but  seizing  his  father  by  the  coat  col- 
lar, he  dragged  him  up  to  a  place  of  safety,  where 
the  crowd  of  anxious  citizens  awaited  to  lend  assist- 
ance. The  poor  boy  on  reaching  the  shore  in 
safety,  instantly  fainted,  while  his  miserable  father 
was  sufficiently  sobered  by  the  perils  he  had 
passed  through;  and,  if  he  have  the  mind  of  a  man 
he  can  never  recur  to  that  awful  voyage,  without 
a  shudder  of  horror  at  his  own  beastly  appetite, 
which  reduced  him  to  such  a  condition  as  to  en- 
danger not  alone  his  own  life,  but  that  of  bis  gal- 
lant and  dutiful  child. 

The  canoe  was  dashed  to  pieces  on  the  rocks 
ere  it  reached  its  final  leap. 

Had  it  been  at  the  other  side  of  Ins  Island,  that 
the  canoe  was^driven  amongst  the  rapids,  it  would 
not  have  been  possible  to  entertain  the  most  dis- 
tant hope  of  thdr  escape.  There  never  was  known 
an  mstance  of  a  boat  on  that  side  living  b  the 


(!•■    1.  t_mm,""' 


I 


94 


DESORI^IVB   OUIDB 


Anideitt  M  tiu  FtUi. 


A  German,  from  Buffalo,  some  two  years  since, 
a  shoe-maker  by  trade,  either  through  accident  or 
design,  it  is  not  known  which,  was  sailing  down  the 
rapids  in  a  small  boat.  There  were  several  spec- 
tators of  his  territic  situation,  standing  on  the  bridge 
leading  to  Bath  Island,  at  the  time  of  his  approach, 
as  the  dancing  boat  careered  over  the  rollmg  rapids 
and  bore  liim  close  to  the  bridge,  he  called  out, 
"  Shall  I  jump  out,  or  remain  ?"  They  were  too 
liorritied  to  answer  him,  and  in  another  instant  the 
boat  had  passed  beneath  the  bridge,  and  was  bump- 
ing among  ilio  rocks,  and  plunging  on  the  backs  of 
the  rapids.  At  last,  the  boat  was  capsized  and  the 
doomed  man  was  borne  to  the  tenible  brink,  where 
his  body  was  raised  into  an  upright  position  and 
carried  down  into  eternity  ! 

On  another  occasion,  a  poor  woman  was  washing 
clothes  in  the  mill-stream,  with  her  little  child, 
playing  in  a  tub,  near  her.  Before  she  was  aware 
of  the  terrible  fact,  tlie  tub  with  the  child,  had 
floated  into  the  river,  and  thence,  ere  mortal  aid 
could  come,  into  the  rapids,  which  soon  bore  the 
poor  parent's  doomed  offspring  over  the  relentless 
cataract,  drowning  her  screams  with  its  ceaseless 
tJiunders !  =.«„.,, 


r.ift's^YjiiAtMWia.iiM^teia^a.^;^ 


ORI^IVB   OUIDB 


sudeiito  at  Uu  F*U>, 


Buffalo,  some  two  years  since, 
ade,  either  through  accident  or 
iwn  wliich,  was  sailing  down  the 
)at.  There  were  several  spec- 
ituation,  standing  on  the  bridge 
Qd,  at  the  time  of  his  approach, 
careered  over  the  rolling  rapids 
to  the  bridge,  he  called  out, 
or  remain  ?"  They  were  too 
bim,  and  in  another  instant  the 
eath  the  bridge,  and  was  bump- 
s  and  plunging  on  the  backs  of 
,  the  boat  was  capsized  and  the 
me  to  the  tenible  brink,  where 
[  into  an  upright  position  and 
ternity  ! 

ion,  a  poor  woman  was  washing 
stream,  with  her  httle  child, 
ir  her.  Before  she  was  aware 
,  tlie  tub  with  the  child,  had 
er,  and  thence,  ere  mortal  aid 
e  rapids,  which  soon  bore  the 
id  offspring  over  the  relentless 
her  screams  with  its  ceaseless 


TO   NUQARA   FALLS. 


95 


AccidftDta  at  the  Falls. 


Htarttititawiiii . 


CHARLES    ADDINGTOK   AND    NBTTIE    DE  FOREST. 

Lunar  Island  never  saw  a  more  delightful  eve- 
ning than  that  of  June  21st,  1849,  enlivened  as  it 
was,  by  young  and  happy  hearts,  full,  even  to  burst- 
ing, with  their  own  joyousness.  The  gay  party  in 
question  consisted  of  Mrs.  De  Forest,  of  Buffalo, 
Mrs.  Miller,  and  Mr.  Bowen,  who  getting  tired,  took 
advantage  of  some  seats  on  Iris  Island,  whilst  the 
young  people  to  the  number  of  nine,  repaired  to 
Lunai-  Island  ;  where  having  enjoyed  themselves, 
and  being  about  to  return  to  Iris  Island,  Charles 
Addington  playfully  caught  Nettie  De  Forest  and 
pretended  to  throw  her  into  the  stream.  The 
buoyant  child  jumped  from  him,  and  in  an  instant 
was  in  the  wild  current!  Poor  Charles  Adding- 
ton, without  a  pause,  sprung  after  her,  and  both 
were  carried  over  the  dreadful  precipice,  locked  in 
each  other's  arms,  with  their  agonized  countenances 
turned  to  the  last  on  the  horrified  group  of  com- 
panions, who  saw,  but  could  not  save  them ! 

Miss  De  Forest's  mangled  remains  were  found 
the  next  day,  at  2  o'clock,  p.  m.,  in  the  Cave  of  the 
Winds,  and  in  a  few  days  after  the  body  of  the 
gallant  and  generous  young  Addington  was  like- 
wise recovered  and  interred  in  the  village. 
9 


aiMia 


iBT 


'.f 


r 


w 


I- 


96 


DKSORIPTIVX   ODIDB 


AnddenU  >t  tkl  Falll. 


We  will  moke  no  apology  for  introducing  here 
the  following  beautiful  lines,  written  on  this  sad 
event,  by  a  young  lady  of  taste  and  feeling. 


ON  THE  LATB  DISASTER  AT  THE  FALLS. 


A  mild  and  lovely  day  had  past, 
Too  brighl,  like  earthly  hopcii,  to  lait, 
And  Luna  rose,  with  placid  smile, 
To  greet  her  email  but  favorite  iile ; 
In  rivalry  of  Sol,  to  throw 
A  richer  veil  of  light  below. 
And  challenge  isle,  and  shore,  and  itroam, 
To  praise  her  milder,  lovelier  beam. 

On  that  fair  isle  were  gathor'd  then. 
Reluctant  still  tu  leave  the  scene, 
A  pleasant  group.    Joy,  luve,  and  grace 
Bcam'd  all  around,  I'rom  every  face. 
Sweet  Antoinette,  that  favor'd  child, 
GamboI'd  so  innocent  and  wild ; 
Wrcath'd  every  lip  with  smiles,  to  see 
Her  joyous  spirit  bounding  free. 
Hud  aiigcLs  taught  it,  hovei'ng round 
With  hcav'niy  grace,  to  spi.m  the  ground ; 
That  soon  inimorial  it  should  soar 
Whore  earih  could  letter  it  no  more  1 

A  munly  yonih  and  maiden  fair, 
Parenis  anil  friends,  were  standing  there, 
And  all  with  Hashing  wit  and  song 
The  pleasing  hours  would  fain  prolong, 
Enchantment  clothed  the  earth  and  sky 
Ah  I  who  could  dream  of  danger  nigh  I 

Angela  of  light  were  passing  near— 
They  "  walk  unnen  "  the  earth  and  air, 


"'^''^^■"'"'''^ilMiiiliiiilt'ifliirt 


RIPTtVK   OUIDB 


UtiUM  at  th<  r>ll>. 


i  apology  for  introducing  here 
iful  lines,  written  on  this  sad 
idj  of  taste  and  feeling. 


DISASTER  AT  THE  FALLS. 


ely  day  had  past, 

9  earthly  hopeii,  to  laM, 

,  with  placid  smile, 

nail  but  favorite  iaie ; 

o\,  to  throw 

r  light  below, 

isle,  and  shore,  and  itroam, 

nilder,  lovelier  beam. 

e  were  gathor'd  then, 

tu  leave  the  scene, 

up.    Juy,  luve,  and  grace 

iind,  Irom  every  face. 

te,  that  favor'd  child, 

nocenl  and  wild ; 

I  lip  with  smiles,  to  see 

rit  bounding  free. 

ght  it,  hovei'ng round 

grace,  to  spi  rn  the  ground ; 

orial  it  should  soar 

uld  letter  it  no  more  1 

and  maiden  fair, 
inds,  were  standing  there, 
ishing  wit  and  song 
lurs  would  fain  prolong, 
lothed  the  earth  and  sky 
I  dream  of  danger  nigh  I 

were  passing  near— 
iseen  "  the  earth  and  air, 


'MuSiiu^^^ 


TO    NIAOARA   FALLS. 


97 


Aecidwli  U  lh«  Falli. 


Ami  knew  those  parenin  soon  must  part 

From  joys  entwined  around  the  heart ; 

Confiding  love  receive  the  blow 

That  lays  a  worship'd  idol  low. 

Surely  a  pityinj-  angel's  tear 

ChilI'd  that  fond  father's  heart  with  fear, 

"  Come  here,  my  child  !  come  here  I"  be  cried, 

"  Beware  ibo  rushing  river's  tide." 

"  Never  you  mind— let  her  aioue ; 

I'll  watch,"  said  noble  Addiiigton. 

She  puli'd  his  coat  in  playful  glee— 

"  Aha !  you  rogue  I  you  're  caught,"  said  he," 

"  Now  shall  I  throw  you  inl"  She  laughs  j 

Her  trembling  form  he  touch'd  j 

She  sprang— she  falls ;  "  O  mercy  !  save  1' 

"  She's  gone  !    O  God  !"  one  'ook  he  gave. 

One  word  of  horror,  that  shall  dwell 

For  ever  Iresh  in  memory's  cell ; 

Then  sprang  to  clai^p  thai  precious  trust. 

Gigantic  etlons  fail.     "  Wo  must 

Be  lust !     GrrutGud!  no  human  aid 

Avails  us  now !    Save  UB,"ilm.fny'ii, 

"  For  jESua'  sake,  Osave  oor  souls  I" 

The  dashing  lorrenl  onward  rolls. 

Unheeding  that  ahrill,  bitter  cry 

Of  living,  human  ngony. 

Bursting  afresh  when  straining  eye 

Fail'd  soon  the  loved  ones  to  decry 

Upon  the  raging  waters  tost, 

•'  Heart-rending  cry,  "  They  're  lost !  ihejr  're  lost  I" 

For  "  Jesitc'  sake,"— that  matchless  word- 
It  foaie  i  i<>  heaven.    The  Father  heard : 
"  Fly,  fjubriel,  with  thy  chosen  band, 
Take  crowns  of  gold,  and  harps  in  hand ; 
Array'd  in  robes  of  spotless  while. 
Conduct  them  to  these  realms  of  light." 

D 


•nmm'f 


«r 


98 


DK80RIPTIVK    QUIDE 


AceidenU  at  tb«  FbIU. 


Uprising  from  the  rapid's  foam, 
Redeem'd  those  blessod  spirits  coins ; 
O !  what  a  radiant  nij^ht  in  riew ; 
With  eager  haste  the  angels  flew, 
Sinking  their  golden  harps  anew. 
"  Come,  sister  spirits,  cnme  away. 
Come  home  to  heaven,"  their  joyful  lay. 

O,  mourning  souls  I  could  ye  but  hear 
Those  sirains  salute  the  ravish'd  ear ; 
Tears  for  the  living  would  be  slied ; 
Smiles  are  the  tribute  for  the  dead, 
Not  "  wreathing  lips  "  soon  to  depart 
Playing  forever  round  the  heart. 
Grief,  pain  and  death  disturb  no  mors, 
Not "  lost  those  dear  one's  gone  before." 

Let,  still,  Niagara  lovely  seem, 

Ita  island,  mist,  and  rapid  stream, 

Its  fleeting  bows  of  splendors  bright, 

Fall  plsasantly  upon  the  sight. 

Remember  that  two  cherish'd  flowers, 

Transplanted  to  celestial  bowers, 

The  river  from  that  island  bore, 

To  bloom  unfading  evermore. 

Prayer,  grateful,  like  that  mist,  should  rise 

From  deptds  of  sorrow  to  the  skies ; 

Then  shall  the  "  Sun  of  righteousness  " 

Shine  through  its  prism  of  grief,  and  bless 

With  bows  of  promise,  bright  and  warm. 

Fadeless  in  sunshine  and  in  storm. 

And  when  ye  hear  the  ceaseless  sound 

That  thundering  shakes  the  solid  ground. 

The  cataract  in  its  dark  career, 

O,  not  in  sorrow  close  the  ear  I 

Let  Faith  behold  that  seraph  throng, 

Whose  ceaseless  and  eternal  song, 


MililiiitiBliiU^ia^llimdMS^^ 


RIPTIVK    GUIDE 


idi-nU  •!  th«  FalU. 


the  rapid's  foam, 

I  blensod  spirits  conie ; 

uit  nijtht  in  Tiew  ; 

te  the  angels  flew, 

olden  harps  anew. 

gpirits,  cnme  away, 

learen,"  their  joyful  lay. 

Ills  I  could  ye  but  hear 
ilule  the  ravish'd  ear ; 
■ing  would  be  shed ; 
ribute  for  the  dead, 
;  lips  "  soon  to  depart 
round  the  heart, 
death  disturb  no  mure, 
dear  one's  gone  before." 

ra  lovely  seem, 

and  rapid  stream, 

I  of  splendors  bright, 

ipon  the  sight. 

two  cheriah'd  flowers, 

celestial  bowers, 

hat  island  bore, 

ng  evermore. 

,  like  that  mist,  should  rise 

rorrow  to  the  skies ; 

Sun  of  righteousness  " 

s  prism  of  grief,  and  bleaa 

)mise,  bright  and  warm, 

line  and  in  storm. 

r  the  ceaseless  sound 

shakes  the  solid  ground, 

ts  dark  career, 

close  the  ear  I 

that  seraph  throng, 

and  eternal  song, 


TO    NIAQAKA    FALLS. 


99 


AniileDli  at  tha  Falli. 


Like  "  sound  of  many  waters  "  seem, 
And  love  and  bliss  are  all  the  theme, 
Praising  the  Wise  and  Good  Supreme. 
Pleasant  Valley,  1M9.  Mart. 

Thus  perished  in  the  flower  of  their  youth,  two 
premising  liopes  of  heart-wrung  parents.  Poor 
Mrs.  De  Forest  did  not  long  survive  the  dreadful 
fate  of  her  "  Nettie,"  and  the  anguishing  scene  of 
that  awful  evening  has  made  an  impression  on  the 
horrified  young  spectators  which  time  can  never 
erase. 

MISS     MARTHA     K.    HUGO. 

This  young  lady  had  visited  the  Falls,  when  on 
her  way  to  Detroit  to  \isit  a  sister,  in  August, 
1844. 

On  the  memorable  morning  of  the  24th,  whilst 
approaching  Table  Rock,  she  stepped  upon  the 
bank,  about  fifty  rods  below  the  Museum,  letting 
go  the  arm  of  the  gentleman  who  accompanied 
her,  in  order  to  pluck  some  evergreens — when  the 
earth,  giving  way  with  her  w(nght,  she  was  percipi- 
Uited  down  a  perpendicular  height  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  feet,  falling  on  a  bed  of  sharp  rocks  ! 
The  poor  girl  gave  one  piercing  shriek  ;  her  com- 
panion grasped  her  shawl,  which  gave  way,  and 
she  descended  !  Doctor  6.  A.  Sturgw,  of  New 
*9 


I 


r 


100 


DESCRIPTIVE    OUIDE 


AecldoBta  «t  tho  Fiilli. 


York,  happening  to  be  at  the  Falls,  and  just  then 
in  the  Museum,  near  at  hand,  hurried  down  the 
stairs  at  Table  Rock,  accompanied  bj  several,  and 
after  much  labor  and  fatigue  reached  the  fatal 
spot,  where  they  found  Miss  Rugg  on  the  pointed 
rocks  still  alive.  On  being  bled,  she  revived,  and 
said,  faintly,  to  those  around  her,  "  Pick  me  up." 
Tliis  was  done,  and  she  was  conveyed  in  a  boat  to 
the  ferry-landing,  and  from  thence  to  the  Clifton 
House,  where  she  expired  in  three  hours  from  the 
time  of  this  melnncholy  accident 

DiCATII     OF     U.     HITNGERFORD. 

Nor  are  the  chances  of  accident  confined  to  the 
descent  There  is  d;in<;er  in  many  places  where 
strangers  go — and,  although  those  accidents  hap- 
pen seldom,  yet,  when  they  do  occur,  there  is  a 
painful  memory  of  the  solitary  cjise,  for  years  after 
its  occurrence.  Such,  for  instance,  was  that  of  D. 
HuNQKRFORD,  of  Troy,  in  this  State. 

About  10  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  of 
May,  1839,  the  doctor  in  company  with  Mr.  Niles, 
of  Columbus,  (O.),  and  Mr.  Lindsey,  the  guide, 
were  viewing  the  river  and  the  Falls,  from  below 
Iris  Island  ;  and,  being  satisfied,  were  about  to  de- 
part, when  a  cloud  of  falling  dust,  told  too  plainly 


iaiiuiimamiUtiSmmmtmiitit. 


IIPTIVE    QUIDS 


!Bt>  «t  tha  Falb. 


3  at  the  Falls,  and  just  then 
at  hand,  hurried  down  the 
iccompanied  bj  several,  and 
d  fatigue  reached  the  fatal 
d  Miss  RuGG  on  the  pointed 
being  bled,  she  revived,  and 
wound  her,  "  Pick  me  up." 
le  was  conveyed  in  a  boat  to 
from  thence  to  the  Clifton 
ired  in  three  hours  from  the 
ly  accident 

I).     HUNGERFORD. 

s  of  accident  confined  to  the 
tiger  in  many  places  where 
though  those  accidents  hap- 
1  tlu-y  do  occur,  there  is  a 
!  solitiiry  case,  for  years  after 

for  instance,  was  that  of  D. 
,  in  this  State. 
1  the  morning  of  the  27th  of 

in  company  with  Mr.  Niles, 
id  Mr.  Liindsey,  the  guide, 
r  and  the  Falls,  from  below 
y  satisfied,  were  about  to  de- 
falling  dust,  told  too  plainly 


'"■^^'-•"'•-'^"TilitilliiWifiiii 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


101 


AMidtnta  ml  Iht  F«U>. 


that  some  of  the  impending  mass  above  was  falling, 
Mr.  Niles  and  the  guif'e.  in  hurrying  from  the  spot, 
became  informed  of  the  melancholy  fact,  that  D. 
HuNGKRFORD  had  been  severely  hurt  by  some  of 
the  fallen  mass.  They  carried  him  away,  but  he 
did  not  long  survive — having  been  struck  on  the 
head  and  neck. 

THE    WHITE    CANOE  S. 

AN     INDIAN     LEGEND. 

In  years  gone  by,  when  the  forest  wild  closed 
in  the  sublime  temple  of  nature,  which  is  now  un- 
veiled to  the  inquisitive  white  man  in  the  sheeted 
cataract  of  Niagara — when,  none,  save  the  Indian 
worshipers,  ventured  to  gaze  upon  the  place  where 
their  simple,  yet  beautifully  imaginative  faith  taught 
them  to  feel  the  presence  of  the  Great  Being, 
whose  solemn  voice  made  the  forest  ring,  and  the 
ground  trembU  , — ^it  was  customary  to  offer  a  liv- 
ing sacrifice,  on.  ■  a  year,  to  be  conveyed  by  the 
foaming  messengers  of  the  water-spirit,  to  the  un- 
known gulf,  which,  through  the  light  of  imagina- 
tion alone  they  knew  aught  about. 

In  the  bright  autumnal  month  of  August,  when 
all  earth's  flowers  were  at  their  richest,  and  the 


102 


DB8CRIPTIVS    GUIDE 


AixidenU  >t  the  Falli. 


fruits  had  attained  their  mellowest  tint  and  taste, 
ere  Time  could  bring  his  sickle  round  them,  the 
watchful  sachem  gave  the  word,  and  the  full  fruits 
and  flowers  were  stowed  in  a  white  canoe,  to  be 
paddled  by  the  fairest  maiden  that  had  just  then 
arrived  at  woman-hood. 

Honored  was  that  tribe,  whose  turn  it  was  to  float 
tlieir  blooming  offering  to  tlie  shrine  of  the  Great 
Spirit  ;  and  still  more  honored  was  the  mmd  who 
was  a  fitting  sacrifice. 

Lena  wa«  the  only  child  and  darling  of  Oronta, 
the  proudest  Chief  of  the  Senecas.  Full  many  a 
bloody  fight  had  seen  his  single  feather  pass  in 
triumph,  like  the  pestilential  blast,  scathing  whore 
he  came,  and  leaving,  when  he  left  the  red  track 
of  his  hatchet  and  tomahawk. 

Spring  followed  Spring,  Summer  breathed  on 
Summer,  and  Autumn  ripened  into  Autumn,  as 
Time  crowned  each  year  wth  glories  which  he  but 
prepared  for  withering  Winter's  cold  embrace. 
And  every  annual  round  had  sent  an  offering  to 
the  thunder-god  of  the  secluded  Niagara 

Oronta  danced  in  pride  and  triumph  at  many  h 
holy  feast,  which  followed  the  sacrificai  gift,  which 
his  rejoicing  trib^  had  in  their  turn  given.  But 
Oronta  felt  not  for  the  fathers,  whose  precious 


,ji.llj»(j.it»jiniii 


RIPTIVS    GUIDE 


denU  M  the  Falli. 


leir  mellowest  tint  and  taste, 
f  his  sickle  round  them,  the 
e  the  word,  and  the  full  fruits 
ftcd  in  a  white  canoe,  to  be 
3t  maiden  that  had  just  then 
Dd. 

ribe,  whose  turn  it  was  to  float 
g  to  the  shrine  of  the  Great 
2  honored  was  the  mwd  who 

child  and  darling  of  Oronta, 
the  Senecas.  Full  many  a 
n  his  single  feather  pass  in 
lential  blast,  scathing  whore 
when  he  left  the  red  track 
nahawk. 

)ring.  Summer  breathed  on 
n  ripened  into  Autumn,  as 
ar  with  glories  which  he  but 
g  Winter's  cold  embrace, 
md  had  sent  an  offering  to 
e  secluded  Niagara 
)ride  and  triumph  at  many  h 
'ed  the  sacrificai  gift,  which 
in  their  turn  given.  But 
lie  fathers,  whose  precious 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


103 


AeoidenU  at  tba  FalU. 


jewels  were  thus  taken  from  their  wigwam,  and 
committed  to  the  grave  of  roaring  waters.  Oron- 
ta thought  not  that  they  had  earthly  feelings, 
which  the  ardor  of  religion  could  not  always  quite 
subdue.  Oronta  had  lost  his  fair  wife,  Calma; 
but  it  wi«  by  a  foeman's  arrow,  and  terribly  had 
he  avenged  his  bereavement 

Since  that  event,  his  motherless  child  had  felt 
the  glow  of  fifteen  summers— till,  like  a  rose  she 
opened  all  her  beauties  to  the  maturing  breath  of 
Nature. 

The  day  of  sacrifice  came.  It  belongs  to  the 
Senecas,  and  Lena  is  the  only  oflFering  fitting  the 
occasion. 

Can  the  proud  Obonta  show  his  weakness  ? 
Can  he  let  the  father's  bursting  bosom  be  seen  to 
tremble  ?  Can  he  ^ve  ear  to  Nature,  lest  she 
blend  his  love  and  pity  in  a  tear,  that  may  fall 
down  a  bloi  upon  his  name  ? 

The  moon-lit  hour  is  come  ;  the  rejoicing  dance 

goes  on  ;  Oronta  has  parted  his  Lena,  to  meet 

where  the  Great  Spirit  reigns.      His  wigwam  on 

the  high  bank  is  lonely  now. 

******* 

The  yell  of  fanatic  triumph  goes  up  fh)m  a 
thousand  Senecas.     The  white  canoe  has  shot  from 


m 


':r 


H 


104 


DB80BIPTIVK   ODIDB 


AecidtnU  u  tlia  FnUi. 


yonder  bank,  and  the  sachems,  as  they  gaze  upon 
it,  shout  to  heaven  their  joyous  benediction. 

But,  ere  the  dancing  craft  has  y(  t  approached  its 
doomed  descent,  behold  another  white  canoe  has 
shot  out  on  the  mad  rapids,  and  both  are  bound 
for  eternity  ! 

The  first  bears  the  full  blown  offering  of  fruits 
and  flowers,  with  Lena  for  their  fairest  She  goes 
as  an  offering  of  the  highest  value  ;  and  she  is  fol- 
lowed by  Oronta,  who  brings  his  full  grown  glories 
of  battle  and  of  chase,  a  willing  offering  for  a  re- 
union with  his  wife  and  child. 

By  a  strange  chance,  Lena's  little  vessel  pauses 
by  a  rock,  just  on  the  verge  of  the  descent—per- 
mitting Oronta's  to  come  near — ^when,  both  to- 
gether rise  upon  the  plunging  rapids,  one  look- 
one  mutual  look  of  love,  of  hope,  of  happiness, 
is  exchanged— and  the  forest  rings  again  with  the 
yoll  of  the  Senecas,  as  the  father  and  the  child 
drop  down  the  cataract  together  in  their  White 
Canoes  !  ' 


3EIPTIVK   GOIDK 


idtnU  *t  the  FnUi. 


le  sachems,  as  they  gaze  upon 
beir  joyous  benediction, 
ig  craft  has  y(  t  approached  its 
hold  another  white  canoe  has 
I  rapids,  and  both  are  bound 

e  full  blown  offering  of  fruits 
;na  for  their  fairest     She  goes 

highest  value  ;  and  she  is  fol- 
ho  brings  his  full  grown  glories 
ise,  a  willing  offering  for  a  re- 
md  child. 

ice,  Lena's  little  vessel  pauses 
he  verge  of  the  descent — per- 

come  near — ^when,  both  to- 
I  plunging  rapids,  one  look — 

love,  of  hope,  of  happiness, 
;he  forest  rings  again  with  the 
,  as  the  father  and  the  child 
jact  together  m  their  White 


TO   NUaARA   FAUS. 


106 


Concliuicrn— SUj  ud  Btraj-. 


CONCLUSION. 

0  W,  reader,  we  have  visited  the  prin- 
cipal points  of  attraction  in  this  vicinity 
of  wonders  ;  it  is  for  you  to  decide, 
whether  you  will  remain,  study,  and 
contemplate  what  we  have  gone  over. 

It  is  not  by  a  hiisty  visit,  you  can  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  unequalled  scenes  of  the  world- 
renowned  Niagara  No,  you  must  stay  and  stray ; 
you  must  look  out  for  new  lights  of  beauty  in  which 
to  view  them,  and  you  will  be  sure  to  find  such, 
however  often  you  seek  ! 

The  time  is  a  grand  point  in  viewing  these  acencB 
to  perfection.  It  is  not  in  the  glare  of  the  noon- 
day, when  all  around  is  rich  and  gay  with  the  re- 
flection of  the  radiant  sunbeam  :  It  is  not  in  the 
company  of  laughter-loving,  thoughtless  youth  ;  It 
is,  rather,  by  yourself  alone,  at  sunrise,  when  the 
mists  are  rising  in  their  majesty,  like  incense  up  to 
heaven;  encircled  by  the  peerless  ranbow,  which 


106 


DXSORIPTIVB   QUIDS 


Look  ontand  contemplato. 


the  rising  orb  of  day  has  sent  to  herald  his  coming, 
in  hues  of  brightest  hope. 

Or,  view  these  vaiied  scenes  under  the  heaven- 
born  influence  of  a  moon-lit  night ;  and,  oh,  what 
mind  would  not  soften  its  thoughts  to  tears,  in  that 
holy  contemplation  of  Naturt!  and  of  God  ! 


.»!f        I'iki: 


■■MWffllWW^ 


UPTIVB   GUIDB 


ntand  eontomplat*. 


has  sent  to  herald  his  coming, 

dope. 

led  scenes  under  the  heaven- 

loon-lit  night ;  and,  oh,  what 

1  its  thoughts  to  tears,  in  that 

■  Naturt!  and  of  God  ! 


TO   HUOARA   FALtS. 


107 


Nan«w 


POSTCRIPT. 


TABLE     ROCK     FALLEK 


Ofi  Saturday,  the  20th  of  Jane,  tliis  magnificent 
item  in  the  History  of  the  Niagara  Fulls,  yielded 
to  the  pressure  of  time  and  the  cataract,  and  gave 
way  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Fortu- 
nately, when  no  visitors  were  above  or  below,  so 
that  no  lives  were  lost,  although  there  were  some 
hair-breadth  escapes.  We  will  just  mention  that  of 
a  man,  who  was  in  a  carriage  on  the  r«ick,  repairing 
the  trimming,  accompanied  by  a  child.  Feeling 
the  first  motion  of  the  faliins  mafts,  the  man  with 
great  presence  of  mind,  threw  the  child  from  the 
carriage,  and  then  made  his  own  escape,  whili;  the 
carriage  went  down  with  the  rock.  j 

This  tremendous  crash  was  heard  at  three  miles 
distance,,  and  some  judgment  may  be  formed  ft!"  it, 
when  it  is  considered  that  Tabic  Hock  was  150  feet 
long,  100  feet  wide,  and  SO  f»>et  thick  at  the  base.  \ 


1 


■  '•<■: 


^. 


A  NEW  GUIDE  BOOK! 


Traveller's  Pocket  Guide, 


THROUGH  THK 


United  States,  Canada  and  CaUfomia. 


Tills  GuidP  conUiM  the  proient  Kiires  lUid  Time  of  i>t»rt- 
ing,  and  correct  Tables  of  Distance*  on  ail  tlie  prttmipal 
lUH  Road,  PUininboat,  Canal  and  Scbke  Rout..*  tlirougl'oiK 
tlie  country.    rrfiiK  omv  Onb  8aii.u>«. 


Kor  sale  by  all  Heaters  in  Cheap  Publicntlona,  and  at  the 
Piiblicfttioii  Office,  under  the  Manaion  Uoime.  Huitelo. 


Ofimorta  0/  fA«  /Vf.*<. 

A  verv  nvat  and  ctmvonient  book,  coiitsliiinif  roinprclien- 
Bivo  iablea  awl  oU>er  useful  Infonnallun  nn  Ihn  aiiUjeei  wlilcli 
illreau.  It  is  highly  vuluabH  lor  travellers.— Wi-JTn^o  (Vm- 
mcreiat  ,1iivtrl>$fr. 

Wo  know  of  no  author  or  compiler  who  conftTH  *o  much 
real  benellt  on  thi-  commimily  as  lie  who  Ireals  m  to  n  por- 
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fornia.  Price  One  Shilling,  if  llii*  be  not  value  lor  the 
travellers'  money,  why  what  do  they  expect.— Kc/>iiA/<c. 

"A  convonioni  anil  intilliKil)Ie  book  for  travellers  hac  been 
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iiuuortant  poiul  in  the  I 'niteds^tales.  Canada  and  Califoriiin: 
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f7- 


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GUIDE  BOOK ! 


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Canada  and  Califomia. 


the  prWttOt  Kiires  lUid  Time  of  Jtttrt- 
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Cantl  and  Stage  Uoiiti's*  throuKboul 

KlY  OxK  8BII.UNU. 

rs  in  Cheap  fublicntlona.  und  nt  the 
ler  the  Maiiaiiin  llouiie,  Biilfcio*- 


liioiiif  0/  the  I're^t. 

vonlciU  book,  ooiilaliiinif  colnprclieii- 
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vuUiabit  for  trnvcllers.— yJwJTn^o  (V»i- 


hor  or  compiler  who  conffrw  «o  much 
iiiutmily  as  he  who  Iroats  im  to  n  por- 
\n  guide,  Hiioh  n»  tliiU  which  haa  l)t«ii 
}  morning.  ciititkKl  "The  Tmvellors' 
[h  tlio  I'uiti  «l  Stale*,  tnimdH  and  ('Hli- 
lilling.  If  ilii*  hi)  not  value  for  the 
y  what  do  tlicy  expect.— Kr/ni/iiic, 

nti  lllKil)le  ticok  fortravelli-rsliac  lif on- 
er the  Mansion  House,  in  n  very  neat 
ililua  of  routes  fr<ini  this  city  to  entry 
I  I  'iiiled  jTtalcB,  Canada  and  California ; 
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'I 


